Stories of Giving

Generosity has its own rewards. We invite you to share some Stories of Giving.

Paddy Handbury (M'72)
“In 2001, I was honoured to be asked to chair The Campaign for GGS. Having grown up in an environment dominated by a culture of generosity, it was easy to learn and experience the pleasure of giving. Watching the time and effort my parents put into their philanthropic work – in dollars and effort – was a great lesson to us all. We were always reminded that the enjoyment and satisfaction of giving is much more powerful than the feeling one gets from receiving.

I believe, as many others do, that we all have an obligation to give back to society at whatever level we can, and to support those causes and initiatives that we believe in. As Geelong Grammar School played a special and significant role in my life, I gain great pleasure from knowing that the small part I play will help in continuing the development of this special school for generations of students to come.

My lasting wish is to see financial support become part of our culture. I know that those who do give will gain the same sense of satisfaction that my family and I have enjoyed over the years.”

Jeff Peck (Ge'42)
“I was born and grew up in Geelong, attending the local state school and two years of high school. At that point, I received two scholarships that enabled me to attend Geelong Grammar School for the next three years. That comparison made me fully appreciate the value of these scholarships.

The Geelong Grammar experience gave me a wider exposure to both Australian and International personnel and their varying cultures. This education was of great assistance to me when later I lived and worked around the world.

My wife, Silver Harris, also received a scholarship to NIDA, which enabled her to earn a living in the theatre.

We have both greatly benefited from these scholarships, and now are very happy to fund ongoing Geelong Grammar scholarships, particularly for local students attending as day boarders, now that the School bus system has expanded its local area.”

Anonymous Giving #1
Two years ago an Old Geelong Grammarian and his wife decided to bequeath their entire estate to the School. The family had struggled to send he and his brother to Geelong Grammar and while still at the School his father died. His mother was unable to continue paying tuition fees but through the benevolence and goodwill of others, the School offered him a scholarship to complete his education at Corio.

Following University study and a subsequently successful career, this man is giving back to the school to provide opportunities for future students who, like him, will benefit immeasurably from the Geelong education.

Anonymous Giving #2
Recently another Grammarian advised he had provided for Geelong Grammar in his Will. This man also contributes to the School’s Annual Giving Scholarship Fund to immediately attract enthusiastic, new students to fulfil their education dreams.

“I would like to think my scholarship support today will beget someone else’s scholarship support tomorrow.”