Supporter stories

Our supporters leave a bequest to us for many different reasons. Some, because they have been personally helped by Mission Australia in the past and want to give something back; others, because they have seen the difference we have made to their community. Whatever the reason, they all know that their bequest will make a real difference to the lives of Australians in need.

Here are the stories of four supporters who have left a bequest to Mission Australia:

Wendy's story

I’ve been a supporter of Mission Australia since the 1970s when I worked in a hospital. It was there I saw the real impact of homelessness on the men who visited the hospital for various illnesses and injuries. Before then, the idea of homelessness had only been a vague concept to me - not a stark reality. Suddenly it dawned on me that anyone, anywhere, anytime could become homeless for any multitude of reasons. It could happen to me or someone who I really care for.

If it weren’t for groups like Mission Australia, they would have nowhere to turn to for help. So I decided then and there to become a regular supporter.

I remember one day having a discussion with my mother who said she was definitely going to leave something to charity in her Will. I thought it was a terrific idea and I supported her wholeheartedly. She kept mentioning that she must get around to changing her Will, but unfortunately she never did. Sadly she passed away before she could do it.

Years later when my husband and I were heading off overseas, we realised we didn’t have a Will, so we made one. And I made sure we included Mission Australia right from the start. I was determined not to make mum’s mistake and miss out on doing something I really wanted to do.

Wendy Wheatley

Dorothy's story

Dorothy McLean has been a supporter of Mission Australia for over 45 years and several years ago decided to leave a bequest in her Will. It was back in the 1960s that Dorothy was first introduced to the people Mission Australia assist every day.

When I first came out of teachers’ college and we went to the kindergartens around Woolloomooloo. I saw so much poverty. I’d never seen it before. I saw six people living in a single room, struggling to make ends meet. I knew straight away I had to do something to help.

I mean, I was working and getting a salary so I could help these people who weren’t. I’ve continued helping them over the years because I know it’s a worthy cause. And the people at Mission Australia do so much work that is so vitally needed. I know their money is always spent frugally and properly on the people who really need it.

When it came to making a bequest, Dorothy saw it as a natural extension of the support she has been giving over the years.

The good people at Mission Australia do so many things to help so many people, it’s just a little thing I can do to try and help support their work.

Dorothy McLean

Bruce's story

Bruce Thomson was so moved by the assistance Mission Australia gave his adopted son that he decided the best way he could help us was to leave a bequest.

I’ve included Mission Australia in my Will because they are good people and I know they will use it wisely. I was really impressed not just with the work that the people at Mission Australia did to help my son, but when he moved out of his hostel to go live with his girlfriend – which, sadly didn’t work out - they welcomed him back with open arms. They are just so forgiving like that.

So over the years I guess I’ve been a regular supporter and when time came to think about it, I decided it was only natural that I’d include them in my Will.

Bruce Thomson

John's story

In the early 1990s I was having problems with alcohol and gambling, which made having a disability so much worse. Where I was living just wasn’t working out and it got to the point where I had to leave. Without any support I was on the streets in no time.

Luckily I found Mission Australia’s Campbell House (now Mission Australia Centre). My case manager, David, worked very hard with me, but I couldn’t settle and kept coming and going - seven times I think. In the end it was David who helped me get my life together again.

Finally, through Mission Australia I was able to get on to the Department of Housing waiting list - something I could never have done on my own. Now I’m married to a lovely woman and we have a unit of our own. My problems are over and we have a great future.

When I thought about who helped me, I thought they should get something back, so now I’ve put something in my Will for Mission Australia.

John Bushell