Northumberland United Way’s ‘Will Week’ returns
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Creating a will is an important task and Northumberland United Way is hoping to raise awareness and help residents prepare the necessary documents with the return of its “Will Week” initiative.
Will Week, which runs from Sunday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23, brings together local lawyers who help make professionally prepared basic wills more accessible to people across Northumberland County.
“For many people, making a will is one of those important things they know they should do, but it can be easy to put off,” said Alicia Vandine, executive director of Northumberland United Way. “Will Week helps make taking that step a little more accessible.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the local lawyers who contribute their time and expertise to make the program possible.”
A little peace of mind can mean a lot, Northumberland United Way noted.
“Having a will helps make sure your wishes are known and can provide important peace of mind for you and the people you care about, added the organization.
“But for many individuals and families, the cost of professional legal services can make preparing a will something that gets put off.”
Participating lawyers donate their time and expertise to make a limited number of basic wills available during the initiative for $400, with power of attorney documents available for $150.
Interest in this year’s program has already begun, noted Northumberland United Way.
“Having a will isn’t only about paperwork. It’s about making your wishes clear and providing some certainty for the people you care about,” added Vandine. “Our participating lawyers are helping make that opportunity available to more people in our community.”
Availability is limited and will vary by participating lawyer. Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to contact one of the participating law offices between Oct. 19 and 23.
Participating lawyers and locations include:
Mann McCracken and Associates, J. Douglas Mann and Prashant Talpade in Port Hope at 114 Walton St. Call 905-885-2451. Find them in Cobourg at 1 Queen St. in unit 103. Call 905-376-3193. For those in east Northumberland, there’s a location at 13 Young St. Call 613-475-3444.
Highclass Law, Sabrina Hussain, located at 44 University Ave. W. in Cobourg. Call 905-372-1991.
Racine Law Professional Corporation, Melanie Racine, located at 48 Walton St. in Port Hope. Call 905-800-0873.
Camp and Burgess Law Office, Sam Burgess, located at 24 Prince Edward St. in Brighton. Call 613-475-2421.
During Will Week, residents can contact a participating law office directly to request one of the limited appointments available through the initiative. Appointments are booked during Will Week, but the legal consultation and completion of the will or power of attorney documents can take place afterwards at a mutually convenient time.
For the complete list of participating lawyers and for additional information about Will Week, visit mynuw.org.
Outside of government, United Way Northumberland is described as the largest funder of social service programs in the area. An organization focused on local community impact; United Way Northumberland has been working to change the lives of people living in Northumberland County since 1969.
The organization said it strives to empower kids, lift people out of poverty and build strong communities by bringing people and resources together to build a healthy, safe community for all who live here.
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