A legacy that lives on
What we leave behind can be so much more than just a memory. It can bring hope and save lives.
Making a Will means taking time to reflect on what you would like to leave behind and on the difference it could make beyond your lifetime.
Often, it is the quiet decisions that have the greatest impact.
Alois Balog, IRO President
Leave a gift to the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) in your will to help prepare search and rescue dog teams to find people who are missing or buried following disasters and emergencies.
Dog and handler train for up to 600 hours each year, working through a wide range of search scenarios. The dog hones its search skills and learns to clearly signal a find, while the handler learns to read and guide their dog with precision. With every hour of training, they grow into a close-knit team, ready to search for people in need.
A legacy to the IRO can make a difference far beyond a lifetime. In every search and rescue dog team trained for deployment. In every search they set out on. And in every chance to find someone in need.
Together with other charities, we are part of Vergissmeinnicht, Austria's legacy giving initiative.
Get in touch
Daniela Rupp
+43 662 82 65 26 12
daniela.rupp@iro-dogs.org
Gifts in Wills FAQs
Why make a Will?
Making a Will enables you to decide during your lifetime what should happen to your estate after your passing. Within the legal framework, you can specify how your estate is distributed. As well as family and loved ones, you can also include charitable organisations. If you do not make a Will, the law determines how your estate is distributed.
What is a gift in Will?
A gift in Will is a donation to a charity that you set out in your Will. This means that, after your passing, you can leave part or all of your estate to that organisation.
This allows you to pass on your values and support a cause that matters to you.
What are the different types of gifts in a Will?
There are three main ways to leave a gift in your Will:
- Residuary gift: the whole or a share of your estate, for example a percentage.
- Cash gift: a fixed sum of money.
- Specific gift: a particular item, such as a property or another valuable possession.
Each option allows you to support a cause in a way that feels right for you.
What is a lifetime gift?
A lifetime gift is a donation made during life, rather than through your Will. It can include money, property, or other valuable assets, and is given directly to a person or organisation.
Unlike gifts in Will, lifetime gifts take effect immediately.
What information do I need to include?
If you would like to leave a legacy to the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) in your will, the following details are required:
Internationale Rettungshunde - Organisation IRO
Moosstraße 32
5020 Salzburg
AUSTRIA
IRO is a registered charity in Austria (161077715).
If I leave a gift to IRO in my Will, do I need to let you know?
No, not at all. We completely respect and understand that this is a personal decision. However, if you do choose to let us know, we would be grateful for the opportunity to thank you personally.
We can also keep you updated on our work and the impact that gifts in Wills have. Of course, anything you tell us will be treated in strict confidence.
How do I get started?
Taking the first step can feel daunting. However, we are happy to offer general guidance and answer any questions you may have about Wills and legacy giving.
As a non-legal organisation, however, we are unable to provide legal advice. If you require specific legal guidance, we recommend speaking with a solicitor or notary. The Austrian Notarial Chamber’s Notary Finder can help you find a suitable professional.
Initial consultations with notaries are free of charge in Austria.
Can I change my mind?
Yes, a Will can be changed or updated at any time.
However, it is important that any changes are clearly set out and meet the legal requirements. In many cases, the simplest way to avoid any confusion is to make a new Will.
How do gifts in Wills help IRO?
Including a gift in your Will helps to secure the future of search and rescue dog work. They enable the IRO to invest in the long-term training and development of these teams, while maintaining and advancing the high standards that underpin their work.
In this way, a legacy can make a lasting difference, supporting future generations of teams and helping them prepare to search for and find people in need.
