The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust in Shropshire is taking part in ‘Remember a Charity in Your Will Week’ which this year takes place from 12-18 September. The Museum is one of over 140 charities taking part in events around the UK, which aim to inspire people to think about leaving a charitable gift in their will.
During the week, staff will be highlighting to visitors the importance of leaving a gift in their will to benefit the Trust’s education and heritage conservation work. Nicole Hermanns, Fundraising Manager, said: “Many people do not know that we are a charity and that a third of our funding comes from voluntary sources including gifts in wills. Over the years we have been able to achieve many wonderful things thanks to the legacies that have been donated to us by people who loved the Museum and wanted future generations to be able to enjoy it.
“We are one of the largest independent museums in the world operating 10 award-winning museums in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. We receive over 70,000 school visits a year and education is at the heart of everything we do whether it is our hands-on workshops, interactive displays and demonstrations or meeting the Victorians at Blists Hill Victorian Town.”
Postcards, bookmarks and trolley coins bearing the Remember a Charity message will be given out free to visitors who come to the museums during that week. This year, the Museum will also partner with Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors to host a FREE seminar on estate planning.
Legacies are vital to UK charities bringing in more than £2 billion per year - the equivalent of 19 Comic Reliefs. Whilst three quarters of people donate to charity during their lifetimes, only 7% include a charity in their will. However, more and more people are considering it.
If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Museum through a gift in your will, contact the Fundraising Department on 01952 435900. For more information about what the Ironbridge Gorge Museum is doing during Remember a Charity Week go to www.ironbridge.org.uk/support-us
