Kind-hearted Brits left gifts in Wills to 10,670 different charities last year, the highest number recorded over the past decade, according to research marking the start of Remember A Charity Week.
The Smee & Ford data reveals that there were 37,242 charitable estates in 2021, a 10.7% increase on the number reported for 2020. The value of charitable estates increased by nearly £2bn from £17.9bn to £19.8bn, a growth of almost 11%.
Gifts in Wills are a critical source of funding for charitable services across the country, raising more than £3 billion for good causes annually.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic hit charities hard, with many seeing a decrease in donations at a time when they were needed most, putting their vital work at risk. With the continuing impact of the pandemic, changing economic circumstances and rise in cost of living, many charities are yet again experiencing an increase in demand, whilst struggling with their own additional costs.
This week is Remember A Charity Week, an opportunity for charities around the country to raise awareness of passing on something wonderful by including a charity in your Will after family and friends have been taken care of.
FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, turning an environmental problem into a social solution. By leaving FareShare Midlands a gift in your Will, you will help the charity to continue its vital work, taking good quality surplus food from the food industry and getting it onto the plates of vulnerable people across the Midlands.
Simone Connolly, CEO says “With 9.9m people in the UK currently experiencing food insecurity, and as the cost of living rapidly climbs, your support is needed more than ever. Your gift will fuel our work to get healthy surplus food to families struggling with poverty and hunger. Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful way to continue to support the causes you are passionate about in your lifetime, creating a lasting legacy.”
Former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, Len Goodman, and TV Presenter Janet Ellis will be lending their support to the week.
Len Goodman, head judge on Dancing with the Stars, commented “I am honoured to be supporting Remember A Charity Week for the fifth year running and to have met some of the inspiring people working hard for a range of charitable causes.
“However big or small, leaving a gift to charity in your Will once your friends and family are taken care of is a marvellous thing. I’ve done it myself – it’s so simple and it really does make an enormous difference!”
Janet Ellis, Former Blue Peter Presenter, Writer and Actress, commented “Remember A Charity Week is a great opportunity to recognise the incredible work carried out by our charities across the country, and encourage people to support them by leaving a gift in their Will. Whatever you’re able to give, every amount can make a big difference. Let’s pass on something wonderful to the next generation.”
Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, says: “It’s been inspiring to see how charitable the British public has been throughout the Covid pandemic and aftermath. With the rise in cost of living creating yet another challenge, we know how hard it is to consider where our money goes. No matter how big or small, leaving a gift to charity in your Will is a great way to help safeguard their future and enable them to continue their crucial work.”