Legacies and gifts in wills have made it possible for us to provide life-changing services to our members.
The Power of Legacies: A Lifelong Gift to Calibre Audio
As we reflect on 50 years of service, it's humbling to recognise the incredible impact that legacies and gifts in wills have had on our ability to provide life-changing services to our members. Legacy income totalled an impressive £676,202 in 2023-24, which is almost half of our annual income. This remarkable contribution underscores the significance of legacies in enabling us to continue our mission, giving access to over 17,000 audiobooks to those who need them most.
What Is a Legacy?
A legacy, in the context of wills and estates, is a gift left to an individual or organisation by someone in their will. It can be in the form of money (“pecuniary”), a portion of their estate (“residuary”), or even specific items of value. For Calibre Audio, they are often left by our members who want to show how much we have meant to them, and to ensure others can enjoy the gift of reading through audiobooks, just as they have done. Many leave hundreds or thousands of pounds to Calibre in their wills; some leave large portions of their estate, maybe half or all of the proceeds from the sale of a house which could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Why Are Legacies So Important to Calibre Audio?
Legacies are the bedrock of our future planning and sustainability. As a charity receiving no government income, and with the financial climate making fundraising from other sources ever more challenging, legacies allow us to keep the current service running for all our members, and innovate to make sure those who struggle to read print can enjoy it in the future. Legacy income has been crucial in our ability to expand our collection of audiobooks for members.
Celebrating 50 Years with Innovation
This year, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’ve been able to launch exciting new services that would not have been possible without the generosity of those who have left us gifts in their wills. Our new streaming site and custom-built Alexa skill now allow members to listen to Calibre books using their Alexa devices, making our service even more accessible. Additionally, we've added 2,066 new books to our collection and sent out an incredible 313,742 audiobooks to our members this year alone.
A Legacy of Connection: Peter’s Story
Our members’ stories are at the heart of what we do, and it’s their passion for our service that often leads them to consider leaving a legacy. Take Peter, for example, a long-time member who has chosen to leave Calibre a gift in his will. Peter’s story is just one of many that highlight the profound impact legacies have, not just on the charity, but on the lives of countless individuals who rely on our service. You can read more about why Peter has chosen to leave a gift in his will here.
Your Legacy, Our Future
As we look to the future, the importance of legacies cannot be overstated. They allow us to continue innovating, expanding our collection, and reaching more people who could benefit from our services. If you’re considering leaving a gift in your will, you can be sure that it will be the key to unlocking a world of books and stories for thousands of people across the UK.
Leaving a legacy to Calibre Audio is a lasting gift that ensures the joy of reading and the comfort of stories continues to reach those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, and to those who are considering making Calibre Audio part of their legacy, your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Join us in making a difference – today, tomorrow, and for the next 50 years.