Gifts in wills are amongst the most special donations we receive. Louise shares her reasons for making this generous decision.
My journey with Cord started in 1989, when I was part of the community church in Guildford. We were learning about tithing, and I realised what an amazing opportunity it was to bless others. Keen to find a Christian agency to support, I chatted to my friend Claire. She told me all about Cord and I decided to set up a monthly donation. My donations haven’t been big, as I give to other charities too, but Cord has always stayed in my heart.
After chatting with Claire, I remembered meeting Rev Pat Ash, who founded Cord, when he was Rector at St Peter and St Paul’s in Godalming. And, even more extraordinary, I had been at college with one of his daughters, Ruth. This made Cord feel close to home and motivated my support!
I remember being drawn to a project that involved drilling boreholes for water. It was meeting such a vital and basic need in very poor communities. I also related to the projects around small business ventures. I’ve mainly worked in retail and window dressing, so it was great to know that crafting and selling could help people sustain a reliable income.
Over time, as I’ve learned more about Cord, I’ve been deeply affected by the stories of people living in oppression and the work to stand up for human rights. Reading about this in the Connect magazine really brought it home to me. It stuns me to think of people suffering like that while we go about our daily lives.
My giving is part of my faith. I believe when we give, the Lord blesses us. It’s not why we do it, but I do think that’s true. Cord is a charity of God, and I trust the money goes to the right place. Also, Cord’s been going for so long – it’s good to commit yourself to a charity with that kind of long-term commitment. Probably the best way of summing it up is that I caught the vision!
When I made my Will, I wondered how I could still give. I could have left everything to my friends and family, but those who are suffering are part of our family too. So, I decided to leave 10% to my church and the charities I support. It gives me peace and makes me feel happy inside – knowing lives will change for the better. It’s a privilege to help, even in this small way, with all the hard work that Cord does.
