“He never ignored those in need”
Those who are committed to a cause their whole lives, or who cherish certain values, can take action in life to make sure that the right organisations benefit after their death. This is what Urs Wyss* did.
Remembering her late husband, Maria Wyss says: “Urs always loved travelling and seeing the world. He went to the Himalayas and we visited Kenya twice together.” The couple were married for 30 years and both were in good health. “We enjoyed the outdoors, went hiking a lot and were active,” she says. The 85-year-old describes her husband as open minded and funny.
There was another side to Urs Wyss according to his wife: as an accountant, he was a rigorous person and he didn’t shy away from thinking about what would happen after his death. That’s why he also had a testamentary contract drawn up. “He never ignored those in need,” says Maria Wyss.
In Switzerland, around CHF 88 billion was bequeathed or given away in 2022. Less than one per cent of this went to charitable organisations.
Urs Wyss started by ensuring his wife was financially provided for – as stipulated under inheritance law. He split the rest of his estate between SolidarMed and another organisation: “In his legacy he wanted to provide for me to make sure I was financially comfortable without him. and to give the rest to people in need. To organisations he could trust and where he knew that the money would go where it’s needed,” she explains.
Five good reasons to make a will
1. you create security and provide for your loved ones.
2. you prevent disputes through a clear situation.
3. you actively shape the future beyond your lifetime.
4. you take advantage of the opportunity to bequeath something (specific) to your closest relatives, for example - regardless of the degree of kinship.
5. you can use the freely available quota for projects close to your heart.
Would you like to find out more about will planning without obligation? Then visit one of our events (in Zurich or online).
Around CHF 88 billion were bequeathed or donated in 2022. Although over 80% of Swiss households donate, less than 1% of the bequeathed sum benefits organisations. And this despite the fact that donors state during their lifetimes that they donate because they believe in an organisation’s cause and commitment.
“There’s no rule that says you have to leave a Will or have a testamentary contract drawn up. I think many people are reluctant to think about the matter – maybe because they find it unpleasant or assume it’s too complicated,” says Lucy Kormann, who is responsible for individual giving at SolidarMed. In a study by Swissfundraising, the majority of respondents said they didn’t leave money to organisations or charities because family is the priority. But in fact, the two are not incompatible and it is possible to benefit both.
And that is exactly what Urs Wyss did. To continue to support values and causes he cared about after his death, he left a portion of his estate to SolidarMed in his Will, but only after making sure his wife was provided for financially.
* Names changed to protect identity
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