Lily Fardell was a remarkable woman.
<br>If you need reminding what the season of giving is all about, look no further than Lily Fardell.
On Dec. 18, 2015, the late Australian woman's final request was fulfilled, and the value of her entire estate was given to charity.
The value of her entire estate by the way? $3.1 million (U.S.) (about $4.3 million Australian).
Woman bequeaths $4.3 million to Australia
Fardell gave her estate away to one cause particularly near and dear to her heart: helping the homeless.
Fardell's $3.1 million, which includes both the sale of her home and funds raised through an auction of her belongings, was given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The faith-based international nonprofit will help provide homeless children and their families with shelter using Fardell's final act of generosity, the Newcastle Herald reported.
Considering 42% of Australia's roughly 105,000 homeless individuals are under the age of 25 (and data suggests that figure may be increasing), it's clearly a cause worth fighting for.
Photo via iStock.
The gift from Fardell — a widow who was 96 years old when she died earlier this year — is the largest single donation ever given to St. Vincent.
From the auction's turnout, it's clear Fardell was someone who touched countless lives throughout her 96 years.
The auction of her belongings in September attracted hundreds of folks interested in keeping an item to help remember the remarkable woman, as Metro points out.
Nick Dan, a representative from the group that managed Fardell's financial affairs, said what we're all thinking: "It was an extraordinary bequest."
In case you need reminding: One person really can make a difference.
<br>Thumbnail photo via iStock.
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