Media Release
4TH September 2015
Ensuring support into the future
During Include a Charity Week Arthritis New Zealand is encouraging the 578,000 New Zealanders and their family and
friends to consider leaving a bequest to Arthritis New Zealand. Bequests are important to all charities and raising
awareness of the importance of making a will, then considering a gift to a charity in their Will, ensures the
sustainability of services of the many causes for future for generations of New Zealanders.
“Arthritis New Zealand is always overwhelmed when we receive advice of a bequest, said Sandra Kirby, CEO. That people
with an interest and passion in ensuring the work of our organisation continues into the future it vital to the 578,000
New Zealanders with arthritis
“Arthritis New Zealand recently received a bequest from Miss Ham in Northland, which now means our Arthritis Educators
can visit rural areas of Northland, that we had previously been unable to get to ensuring those communities received
advice on gout, pain management, exercise and any other questions on arthritis and its impact , said Sandra.”
Leaving a gift in your will isn’t just for the rich and famous. Every gift is invaluable, to us and we ensure the wishes
of bequestors are respected.
“Many choose to tell us of their proposed gift and that allows our organisation to keep in touch them and chat about our
work and plans for the future.”
It’s important that you have a current will and remember to update this as your
circumstances change.
Your family and friends are your first consideration, but you may then like to consider a gift to
Arthritis New Zealand.
Ends
• About Arthritis New Zealand
• Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who
are affected by arthritis.
• There are 578,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis.
• There are more than 140 different forms of arthritis of which osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the
most prevalent.
• Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in our country.
• There is no cure.
• It can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.
• There are 17,940 people receiving sickness or invalids benefits as a result of musculo-skeletal conditions, the bulk
of which will be arthritis.
• Arthritis New Zealand receives only 12 per cent of its funding from government agencies. Without the generosity of our
donors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to help those who live with the pain of arthritis every day.
• Arthritis New Zealand is the leader in the provision of awareness, education, services and advocacy for arthritis in
New Zealand.
Include a Charity
Include A Charity Week runs from Sunday 6th September to 13th September. More information can be found on their website www.includeacharity.org.nz