Sorry. You're using a browser that we
don't support.
To experience this site, please use Firefox, Chrome or Edge.
Meriel Wilmot-Wright has dedicated her life to making the world a better place.
From heading up The Myer Foundation to giving her personal support for organisations helping single mothers, Meriel has always given in one way or another. And in 2021, aged 100, she ensured her legacy of giving will last beyond her own lifetime.
After a conversation with a friend, Meriel decided to leave a bequest in her Will to Australian Communities Foundation, establishing her own fund to support her chosen cause. She named it the Beatrice Fund in honour of her beloved mother.
Her bequest will help support women raising children alone – even after she passes, ensuring her love of giving lives on.
In a letter sent from her home in England to Australian Communities Foundation’s office in East Melbourne, Meriel shares the story of her hundred-year plus giving journey.
Meriel Wilmot-Wright.
Meriel: My mother, Beatrice Charlotte Wilmot, was born in 1887. She was a saint and was adored by everyone who knew her.
Although my family was never well off, my mother was very generous, not only with the little she had to give away, but also with her time – she supported people in need of help and caring.
With such a background, how could I not grow up believing that sharing was an important part of life?
With such a background, how could I not grow up believing that sharing was an important part of life?
I first came to learn about professional philanthropy when I was employed by the Nuffield Foundation in London. This was a unique education and was one of the principal factors in my being appointed as Executive Officer of The Myer Foundation.
Although I have lived in England for 33 years, I have retained all my personal funds in Australia.
Towards the end of 2021, my friend brought Australian Communities Foundation to my attention and after reading several reports I realised it would provide me with the umbrella organisation for charitable giving in Australia I had been seeking.
After consideration, I decided to support women bringing up children alone, an area I thought was in need.
Study your community, find out both areas which are in need and those which are already well supported
I am grateful to Australian Communities Foundation for the services they provide, not least because they aren’t rigid and recently modified their services to suit a special case which had become known to me.
My advice for someone thinking of becoming involved in philanthropy for the first time is to study your community, find out both areas which are in need and those which are already well supported – and seek the advice of Australian Communities Foundation staff!
Learn more about bequests here.
