A lot of people don’t like to talk about death or Wills and that is understandable. However, I invite our readers to take five minutes to read this article because leaving a legacy of help is something we should all think about”, says Dame Lyndsay Freer, one of ten Board Members for the Catholic Caring Foundation.

The Catholic Caring Foundation serves as a vehicle through which donations from the wider Catholic Community can be channelled to organisations that help those in need in our community. These organisations vary widely, from providing food and emergency accommodation, to visiting those in prison, and supporting those who have recently suffered a bereavement.

70% of our funding goes to Catholic organisations such as De Paul House, Monte Cecilia Housing Trust, St. Vincent de Paul and the Marist Learning Centre.

Fundraising by the Caring Foundation is only one way to enable aid in the form of grants are made to the wider community. More importantly, the Foundation relies heavily on bequests to build up the capital base from which grants are made.

“Gifts of bequests made to the Catholic Caring Foundation ensure the continuity and longevity of funding we are able to provide to organisations that operate at the coal face of society,” adds Dame Lyndsay. “It is important to think of remaining family members first, before considering leaving a bequest to the Catholic Caring Foundation.”

Dame Lyndsay will be speaking about the Caring Foundation’s Bequest Program at Bishop Patrick’s Residence at the Pompallier Diocesan Centre later this year in September and October. “This is an informal opportunity for Catholics to get together over a cup of tea and a biscuit with Bishop Patrick and myself and to ask us questions about the Bequest Program”.

If you are interested in joining Dame Lyndsay Freer and Bishop Patrick at either of these events, please email caring@caringfoundation.org.nz for more information.

If you are considering making a bequest to the Bishop's Foundation, and would like more information, please call Leanne Tiscornia on 09-360-3045.