Donor Story: Freo Give For Good Fund

Written by admin on 10 May 2019. Posted in Fremantle Foundation News

No one wants to talk about death but it’s important to think about what will happen to your assets when you die. After a few near misses riding her bike in 2018, Rachel Pemberton decided to leave a bequest in her Will establishing the Freo Give for Good Fund with the Fremantle Foundation, to continue to support the causes close to her heart in perpetuity.

As someone who is young and fit – what prompted you to begin thinking about your will?

I was riding my bike regularly between Perth and Fremantle along Curtin Avenue and after a few near misses with large vehicles, I thought it was time to write a Will in case something actually happened one day. My mother died when I was in my 20s and I was her executor and also inherited some money. Mum’s lawyer told me “now that I had assets, I should make a Will”. It took me almost 20 years, but I finally took her advice.

Why did you choose to leave a bequest with the Fremantle Foundation, establishing the Freo Give for Good Fund instead of leaving a bequest to one or two charities?

Contributing to my community has always been important to me and I have deeply appreciated the good work that the Fremantle Foundation does. The philanthropic model the Fremantle Foundation uses appealed to me because when I’m gone my residual wealth will be invested and grow to be able to provide funding for many projects that do good for many years. I hope that my bequest will become known as a valuable and effective resource that does good in our community long after I’m gone. Perhaps others will contribute to the fund so it can do even more good.

What causes do you care about? And what difference would you like the Freo Give for Good Fund to make in your community in the future?

There are so many issues I care about it can be overwhelming at times, but I managed to narrow it down. The Freo Give for Good fund will grant funding to local projects or organisations that improve the lives of Aboriginal people and works towards reconciliation; projects that address climate change and look after our local environment; and projects that build community and improve social inclusion. These are some of the key issues I work on in my life, and I hope to continue to contribute to in my death.

Have you got a Will? And if so, have you included a bequest to charity in your Will?

Research shows over 90% of Australians make some form of charitable donation each year.

And half of Australian adults have a Will, yet only 7.6% of Australians include a bequest in their Will.

Leaving a gift or bequest in your Will to the Fremantle Foundation is a powerful way to create a lasting legacy by providing ongoing support to the causes and communities you care about. Bequests help us provide ongoing support to causes and organisations that are aligned with your values, extending the impact of your giving beyond your lifetime.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your intentions and can provide suggested wording for your solicitor if desired.

Contact us to learn more about leaving a bequest in your Will. The Fremantle Foundation works with you and your lawyers to put your charitable bequest in place.