Free the Bears has been a beacon of hope for thousands of bears for decades. Every day our charity helps bears who are facing a daunting and bleak future. However the demands on Free the Bears grow with each passing year as an endless stream of rescued bears arrive at our sanctuaries. 

At the very core of Free the Bears is the belief that the actions of individuals can make a difference to help ensure the survival of threatened bears. What better way to demonstrate this than by leaving a legacy and passing on something wonderful to the bears in our care and the future generations of bears we'll receive in the years to come.

Giving Opportunities

Gifts in wills have been vital to the survival of Free the Bears. Thanks to these gifts we've been able to rescue more bears & expand the sanctuaries to provide them the care they require. Your gift can take many forms, all represent hope for threatened bears in need of help.

Estate Planning

Having an up-to-date will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wishes will be carried through to protect the rights of your children and loved ones.

After you have provided for loved ones, then you may like to consider including Free the Bears as a beneficiary. If you have already made a Will, perhaps you could consider asking your solicitor to add a codicil, which will incorporate your gift to Free the Bears.

 Types of Bequests:

• Cash or Pecuniary Bequest - a directive in your Will that Free the Bears receive a specific amount from your estate

• Specific Bequest - a directive in your Will that specifies property, such as real estate, shares, art, jewellery etc be transferred to Free the Bears from your estate

• A Residuary Bequest - after providing for your loved ones, Free the Bears will receive a percentage of your estate (for example, 5%). Since a Residuary Bequest is not for a specific amount of money, this sort of bequest keeps its value over the years

We are pleased to provide the following recommended wording to assist you or your solicitor in writing the Will.

For Australian residents:

“ I GIVE AND BEQUEATH free of all duties, probate, death, estate, succession or otherwise State or Federal payable on or in respect of my estate or on or by reason of my death UNTO Free The Bears Ltd (ACN 629 120 449, ABN 23 763 253 031) ("the Free the Bears"), for its general use and purpose, 5% of my estate (or x% of estate/estate's residue, or (words) DOLLARS ($x.00)).

I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other financial controller of Free the Bears shall be sufficient discharge to my executor for payment of the said sum to Free the Bears without obligation of my executor to see to the application of the said moneys".

For UK residents, please use the words  "UNTO Free The Bears UK (Charity number 1135682)" instead of "UNTO Free The Bears Ltd (ACN 629 120 449, ABN 23 763 253 031)".

We understand that making a will is a very personal matter, and we strongly advise you to consult a solicitor before drafting a new will or updating an existing one. We are always happy to discuss your wishes and intentions but, regretfully, Free the Bears is unable to offer legal or financial advice.

There are online resources available to help. In Australia, the organisation Gathered Here allows Australians to create a will online at no charge, with unlimited updates. Click here to visit the Gathered Here site & learn more.

For UK residents, here are some online resources.

Please don't forget to follow the legal requirements of your own country.

FREE THE BEARS LTD
PO Box 1393, Osborne Park DC, Western Australia 6916, Australia
Tel: +61 (08) 9244 1096
Email: contact@freethebears.org

 

UK: Free the Bears UK (Charity number: 1135682), 628 High Rd, South Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5SU

For supporters in the UK wishing to leave a bequest, please use this name and charity number. Thank you.