Remembering a Loved One
To ensure the memory of their beloved daughter remained alive for all time the Sim family has estabished a "living trust" within the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. We are honoured that they are happy to share their personal story with us.
Sim Family Story
Another phase in our grief journey - April 2010 marked the 10th Anniversary of the death of our dear daughter Clara Sim Shi Ling. On that day we were very pleased to announce the launch of a trust fund set up in her memory. Inspired by all the support from The Compassionate Friends Victoria we have nominated them as the preferred charity we wish to support with the trust's income and specified that the monies are to be used to set up a Support Fund for bereaved families.
Background
Like a lot of grieving families, we have always endeavoured to honour the memory of Clara. Annabelle, Clara's sister, has produced countless artworks and mementos since her Kindergarten days dedicated to Clara. Jeffrey’s countless photographic efforts and Theresa’s involvement with The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCF) have all been part of our grieving journey.
When a research project conducted by TCF recommended, amongst other things, that a Support Fund be set up to support grieving families facing economic difficulties, we felt drawn to respond. As a family, we were fortunate not to experience financial difficulties, but we know how hard it was to get up every day to face work and other responsibilities in life after our child had died. Our hearts go out to those who have to struggle with financial worries and other issues on top of their paralysing grief. I also think that in lending a hand economically to other bereaved parents is also an important dimension of our self-help and mutual support motto.
As Clara's 10th Anniversary approached, we also felt anxious not to let it pass without some significant efforts on our part. Everything fell into place when Anne and I visited Sandie Baskin from the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation and learnt more about the Charitable Trust Fund program that they operate to encourage donations to charitable organisations.
Clara Sim Memorial Trust
Since last year I have been working to set aside money to kick start our initial contribution to her trust fund. Starting up a chartable trust account requires a minimum of $2,000 which is affordable, accessible and inclusive of the average family. Work had never been so meaningful before and I intend to continue this effort. We also hope to engage our families and close friends in building up the trust account and Annabelle is brimming with ideas about how we can best do this.
We believe this memorial trust will be empower us in our next phase in grief. It will help us channel our grief constructively and keep the memory of our dear Clara alive within our families and friends.
If, like the Sim family, you would like to follow their moving example and establish your own charitable trust account please contact Sandie Baskin on 9633 0030.
For more infomation about TCF go to compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au
CREATE YOUR CHARITABLE TRUST ACCOUNT
Remember a loved one and give to your community forever.