Every year Waipuna Hospice cares for almost 1000 terminally ill patients and helps more than 4000 family members deal with the loss of their loved ones. While these numbers may seem high, they are only set to increase.

Bequest gifts, or gifts in wills, play a crucial role in the future of Waipuna Hospice.

Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty is faced with continued population growth and an increasingly aging demographic, creating further demand for hospice services.

While Waipuna Hospice continues to raise funds through their charity shops, fundraising events, sponsorship, and trusts and grants, its services are only possible thanks to the support of the local community.

This September they have teamed up with local solicitors to offer you the chance to have a basic will created or update your existing will for free. In exchange, they ask that you leave a gift in your will to Waipuna Hospice, helping future generations who may need their care and support.

"Ultimately , in our last moments, we want our thoughts to be peaceful, happy and reflective, and to feel secure that our Will has everything organised for the people and causes we're leaving behind,” says Waipuna Hospice CEO Richard Thurlow.

"It's an act of love, made in advance. An act that can also help ease the pain and struggle of future Waipuna Hospice patients and their families.”

To get your free will and support the dying and bereaved in your community, visit: www.waipunahospice.org.nz/wills-month-2022 or call: 0800 492478 before September 26.