Gifts in Wills Month – a lasting legacy

Our Giving Hearts members are a generous group of animal lovers, who have made the incredible act of kindness of including a gift in their Will to SPCA.

Through their generosity, SPCA can continue to provide care for the abused, neglected, and abandoned animals of New Zealand. The donations from Giving Hearts members helps to fund our ongoing work, including veterinary care and surgeries, the day-to-day running our Centres, providing shelter and rehabilitation, rescuing animals, and long-term initiatives like desexing.

Today we’d like to pay tribute to the late Jean Walker.

Jean spent her whole life loving and enjoying the company of animals. Born in Auckland and growing up near Cornwall Park, Jean spent much of her time in the fields across the back fence, with the sheep and cows. She was an only child and so without siblings or many close cousins, often found love and companionship in animals. She had pets, including her beloved Airedale, Glenn and a Shetland pony – which was known to find its way inside the house on more than one occasion!

Throughout the years she had many other animals whom she loved dearly, including cats, dogs, and canaries – she greatly treasuredthe affection they gave, and the companionship she felt with each of them.

Once her own children had grown and left home, Jean relocated to Waikanae.

For over 25 years, Jean supported SPCA in various ways. She was a volunteer, and she provided regular donations wherever she could.

Throughout the years, Jean witnessed countless animals arriving at her local SPCA Centre. She saw first-hand the care and attention given to each animal, how well they were looked after by our team, and saw many go on to their new forever homes.

Jean made the ultimate decision to make sure that animals could continue to be cared for after she was gone, by leaving a gift in her Will to SPCA. Her legacy, and others like hers, enable us to push forward with our work and care for animals in her memory, sharing in her love, kindness and affection.

We’re endlessly grateful for Jean’s support, and the support of all of our Giving Hearts members.

Some people don’t consider leaving a gift in their Will, as they believe smaller gifts may not make a difference – but this simply isn’t true. Every donation we receive goes on to help the animals in our care, ensuring that we can continue to make a positive impact for many years to come.

If you’re interested in leaving a gift in your Will to SPCA but would like more information, please get in touch with our Supporter Care team 0800 888 444. We’d love to hear from you, and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

You can also request further information by emailing givinghearts@spca.nz or visiting our website at https://www.spca.nz/gifts-in-wills.