In Memory & Legacy Giving

In Memory Giving

In memory giving is a special and touching way to remember a loved one and to celebrate their life. Many families like to support a charity close to them by asking people to make a donation in lieu of flowers at a funeral. You can let people know this by including a request in the death notice of your loved one. For example:

“We kindly request donations in lieu of flowers to Down Syndrome Ireland. Donations can be made online at www.downsyndrome.ie”

Holding a collection at a funeral or memorial service is another meaningful way to pay tribute. Alternatively, you may make a one-off donation in memory of a loved one online here or by calling (01) 4266500.

Legacy Giving

We all know how important it is to have a will in place to make sure that your wishes are carried out when you’re gone.  When writing a will, and once loved ones are looked after, many people choose to leave a gift, or bequest, to a charity close to their heart.

By leaving a legacy gift, you can help your chosen charity to continue their work into the future.  Our hope is that you will consider leaving a gift in your will to Down Syndrome Ireland which will help to enhance the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome for generations to come.  It will cost you nothing now but your donation, no matter how big or small, will make an invaluable difference in the future.

What you will need

All you will need for your solicitor is the Down Syndrome Ireland address:

Down Syndrome Ireland, Unit 3, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount Drive, Dublin D12 HP70

Charity Number 20010164

CHY 6062

There are three ways in you can leave a gift to a charity in your will:

  • A residuary bequest. This means the remainder or part of the remainder of your estate is bequeathed to your charity of choice once all of your family and loved ones have been taken care of.
  • A pecuniary bequest. This is a specific sum of money you would like to donate your chosen charity from your estate. You can ask for this donation amount to be index-linked to ensure its value remains the same over time.
  • A specific gift of property e.g. jewellery, household items, a building or shares.

Your solicitor will be able to give you advice on which option best suits your wishes and personal circumstances.

Below, we answer common questions about leaving a legacy:

  1. How do I make a will?

You can make a will at any stage of your life. You don’t have to be sick or getting older to make a one and the peace of mind you’ll gain from having a valid will in place can be a great comfort. We suggest contacting your solicitor who’ll be able to give you professional advice based on your personal circumstances and answer any questions you might have. If you don’t have a solicitor of choice, contact the Law Society of Ireland for a list of solicitors in your area.

  1. I want to leave a legacy but I’ve already made my will. Can I change it?

It’s important you review your will regularly, particularly if there is a significant change in your circumstances like getting married, buying a new house, having baby or are about to retire. Even if you have an existing will, it can be changed to include a legacy to the charity of your choice. This change is called a “codicil” and can be easily drawn up by your solicitor.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like more information about why your legacy gift is important to us, contact our Fundraising Manager Lauren McCarthy on (01) 4266500 or mark@downsyndrome.ie. We would love to hear from you!