Kiwis asked to remember charities in their wills

Photo / APN

People are being asked to remember charities in their wills as Include a Charity Week kicks off.

The campaign, which starts today, is aimed at encouraging more people to include gifts in their wills to their favourite charities, after they have looked after family and friends.

The Heart Foundation is among the charities asking to be remembered. Spokeswoman Karen Miller said as a not-for-profit organisation, the foundation's work would not be possible without donations.

"We're calling on Kiwis to ensure we can continue our good work into the future by leaving us a gift in their will."

Despite huge advances in treatment and prevention, heart disease continued to cut short too many lives before they could be fulfilled, Ms Miller said.

Heart disease is the country's biggest killer, claiming one person's life every 90 minutes, she said. Globally, heart disease is responsible for the loss of 17.3 million lives per year.

The Heart Foundation has awarded $1.8 million in research grants this year. A total of 31 grants were awarded to cardiologists and researchers in July to help fund projects, fellowships, overseas training and travel.

The campaign also coincides with World Heart Day, which takes place tomorrow.

Oxfam New Zealand executive director Rachael Le Mesurier said last year the organisation received over $250,000 in bequests.

Most bequests were made by "ordinary, hardworking Kiwis" who wanted to make a positive difference to their community and other people's lives after they had died, she said.

Last year's bequests to Oxfam funded the installation of showers for girls in 50 schools in Papua New Guinea, construction materials for mechanics in Vanuatu to help employment skills and tools and equipment for East Timor farmers.