How to make a bequest
The Deaf Society of NSW relies on the generous support of people to continue our vital work for Deaf and hard of hearing people.

The Deaf Society is fortunate that many benefactors choose to make a bequest to the Society, after providing for their family and loved ones. This help can make a real difference to Deaf people and their families.

One such example is the generous bequest made by the late Mr and Mrs Epstein. Investment income from this legacy continues to help fund our services and programs.

If you would like more information about making a bequest to The Deaf Society of NSW, please contact the Deaf Society and speak to the Bequest Liaison Secretary in complete confidence.

The Epstein Bequest
In 1988, the Deaf Society of NSW received a most generous bequest from the late Emil and Elsa Epstein which totalled over $1.1 million.

Mr and Mrs Epstein's links with the Deaf Society were formed many years previously through their niece, Elizabeth (Lotte) Schiller, who was profoundly Deaf. Elizabeth miraculously survived the Holocaust in a concentration camp. The Epsteins traced Lotte during their search for family survivors and she consequently came to Australia to live in their home. In 1982 Lotte took up residence at the Deaf Society's Lonsdale House Hostel, where she lived until her death in 1991.

The Epsteins themselves fled Austria just before the German occupation in 1938 and came to Australia. Like so many members of the Jewish Community, Mr and Mrs Epstein arrived with very few possessions or means of support. They lived very frugally, devoting themselves to each other and working hard to establish themselves in their new country - no easy task at that time. Their hard work eventually bore fruit and the distribution business set up by Mr Epstein flourished. Mr Epstein was instrumental in bringing Honeywell heating and refrigeration controls to Australia.

The Epsteins' concern and love for their niece motivated this devoted couple to bequeath a significant portion of their estate to the Deaf Society of NSW to help promote the welfare of all people who are deaf.

The Deaf Society will continue to acknowledge and commemorate the Epsteins' generosity which continues to provide the much needed financial support for our services and programs. Many of the Deaf Society's services are made possible because people like the Epsteins made a bequest which will enhance the lives of future generations of Deaf people.