Normally, we will all, or at least most, of our money and other assets to our loved ones. A spouse, children, siblings, and close friends might be our first picks when putting down beneficiaries. Some of us might also wish to donate part of our money to charity, but providing for our family is usually our priority.
Putting together a will is no easy task, especially if you have a lot of assets and many family members who you might distribute it among. But 87-year-old Sheila Woodcock from New Castle in New South Wales had a bit of a different struggle. She had a lot of money but no close family members to will it to. Sheila was never married, never had children, and had few family members and friends still involved in her life. So, she left $14 million of her earnings among 15 different charities after she passed away in May of 2018.
But little did Sheila’s family know how well off she was.
Even her second cousin, Kent Woodcock, was left in the dark about her finances. He said he and the rest of her family and friends certainly knew she wasn’t struggling, but to find out that she had several millions of dollars secretly stowed away was something they never imagined.
Earlier this month, Sheila’s lucky beneficiaries were asked to come to Broadmeadow’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service facility for information on the assets she would be giving them.
“The charities were gobsmacked, but when they realize it’s 14 other charities… it’s awe-inspiring,” Kent said.
Although Kent will miss Sheila, he knows that the money she donated will come to great use, helping thousands if not millions of people.
“I don’t think anybody [in Newcastle] has ever done something like this and I don’t think we’ll ever see it again. It’s not sadness at her passing, it’s: ‘Look what she’s done, look what she’s doing.'”
Newcastle State Member, Tim Crakanthorp, was pleasantly shocked like everyone else.
“Often people will leave some money to charity when they pass away, but Sheila Woodcock took that to a whole other level,” he shared on Facebook. “Sheila lived in Bar Beach and passed in 2018, bequesting an amazing $14 million to 15 community organizations.”
The money went to non-profits including the Salvation Army, the Australian Red Cross, Cancer Council, World Vision, the Heart Foundation, and more.
Apart from the large sum of money being donated after her death, Sheila also donated over $347,000 Guide Dogs NSW/ACT over the course of approximately 30 years while she was still living.
Below, you can view an image of Sheila Woodcock holding a service dog (who was later named Woody in honor of her passing).
I hope to one day be able to be as generous as Sheila. She was a great woman with a big heart.
Be sure to share her story on social media to give her the recognition she deserves!
