Stories from our prospective honorees
Of course, your loved ones come first when thinking about your legacy. More and more people are also leaving something to a charity such as Belgian Red Cross-Flanders.
And they have different reasons for doing so. We learn this during our heartwarming conversations with donors who have included the Red Cross in their wills, or are considering doing so.
Below you can read their stories.
Would you also like to inspire others with your story? Let us know!
"Bequeathing to Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is a choice from my heart. I find it extraordinary that they are always and everywhere helping people in need. And that with so many volunteers who want nothing in return."
Fernand
"I think it's important to be a good and warm person. That can be done in many ways, during your life, but also after. That way you continue to live on a little bit."
Jacqueline and Leo
"From my own experience, I know that the Red Cross does a lot of good things. Through my legacy, I help ensure that they can continue to do that in the future."
August
Fernand
For the companies where he worked, Fernand regularly organized first-aid training and blood collections from Belgian Red Cross-Flanders. It was one of the ways he helped people.
"Helping people is my life's motto. But assisting and caring for people in need is even more valuable. That's why I regularly support Belgian Red Cross-Flanders with a gift, and also with a donation through my will."
Why did you make a will?
"I wanted to decide for myself what I leave to whom. That can only be done through a will, which is a highly personal, official and written statement. Everything is arranged the way I want it. That gives me great peace of mind."
Why did you include charities in your will?
"My family and friends come first. But I have also included three charities. It feels good to know that even after my life is over I can make sure that people who need help get that help."
Why did you choose the Red Cross?
"I can totally identify with their work: helping people in need. The Red Cross is always and everywhere: at blood collections, small and large events, disasters at home and abroad ... And that with so many volunteers. I am enormously impressed by that. They do it out of humanity and without wanting anything in return. I find that very exceptional and valuable."
Did the change in the law around duolage change anything about your plans?
"I already had a will with a duo bequest, but the tax advantage was not the main reason for me to include charities. That was a choice from my heart. Because of the change in the law, I had no choice but to make a new will. I kept the charities. I like the fact that they now do not have to pay inheritance tax. That way, the full amount I leave to charity also ends up with the charity."
How do you feel about the guidance around bequests at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders?
"I was inspired by the information I received. And by the professional advice. Several years ago I attended the information afternoon on bequeathing to charities. My personal conversations with a member of the bequest staff at Belgian Red Cross-Flanders also helped me along the way. All that together convinced me that I was making a good decision."
Do you recommend that others include the Red Cross in their wills?
"Absolutely. The Red Cross has been around since 1863. Through years of experience, they know what professional assistance is. I am confident that they will make good use of my donation to help people who need it. People helping people is what it's all about for me."
Jacqueline and Leo
Red Cross donors are special people. Like Jacqueline (In memoriam May 30, 2024) and her husband Leo. They know better than anyone that life consists of giving and receiving. "Leo has been a blood donor for decades. Since I have been sick, I have received blood several times."
Jacqueline was diagnosed with cancer twice, the first time when she was 36. "I'm still undergoing treatment, but I stay positive. There is life after a diagnosis." She wants to urge others to also stay positive and be there for each other.
"Life is too precious to hang your head. But it sometimes takes an unexpected turn. You never know what will happen so that's why it's good to think about how you want your estate distributed. And then you can rest assured that your estate will be distributed the way you want it to be."
August
August came in contact with the Red Cross at various times in his life, and would like to give something back. "I will never forget what the Red Cross meant to my family. During World War II, the Gestapo picked up my father. The only contact between father and mother and the children was through the Red Cross. Even after an accident with several deaths at my work, I was impressed by their help and professional approach."
He has been supporting charities all his life, including the Red Cross. It is the enthusiasm and commitment of the many local volunteers that convinced him. "The Red Cross is 'ours,' it's local, you see them everywhere.
"I want to help others who don't have it as good as I do. And consider myself lucky to be able to do that. That's why I included charities in my will. So that I can continue to help later on. I previously had a will with a duo legacy. I changed that to a will with a portion for my family and a portion for the Red Cross and other charities."
For the sake of privacy, name and photo are fictitious
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