Philanthropy in Action: The Hamilton Society

The effects of 2020 saw many aspects of philanthropy re-evaluated by both organisations who rely on community support and by those who donate their precious commodities, both time and money, to these organisations. There has never been a better time to ask ourselves what impact our acts of generosity are having upon the many worthwhile causes out there and whether or not our actions are helping to address the global challenges we face as a community, society, nation and world.

In assessing the foundations of our philanthropic endeavours at Toorak College, it is clear that the support from our community has never been more critical. By supporting Toorak College, our community is backing the upcoming leaders of this world; giving towards scholarships for our future change-makers or helping upgrade facilities that no longer foster the modern way of learning. This is a show of commitment to, and encouragement of, our students. It is these students who we entrust to go on and use their education across the fields of STEM, politics, environment, leadership, health and many other sectors to help solve our greatest challenges.

Toorak College is pleased to announce two philanthropic initiatives launching in 2021 that provide the opportunity for our community to invest in our future leaders:

The Hamilton Society

‘The Hamilton Society’ is a giving circle in celebration of those who choose to acknowledge Toorak College in their Will. This milestone initiative for our school has been established in consideration of the growing number of Collegians who have expressed their wish to create an enduring legacy to help ensure the financial security of Toorak College, and by providing opportunities to students who would otherwise not have the means to attend Toorak College. The society also provides the opportunity for our community to celebrate these special people within their lifetime and beyond, and will see these donors with a shared passion come together socially on important occasions throughout the school year.

The Hamilton Society official Patron, Mrs Barbara Thomas OAM, (Phillips, TC ’65), reflects on her choice to acknowledge Toorak College in her Will:

“As a Toorak Collegian, I greatly value the influence that Toorak College has had on my life and the greater community. The thought of being able to give something back for future generations so the school can continue to thrive has led me to participate in the Hamilton Society bequest program. I am proud to represent what I see as an important initiative that will help secure the future of the school I hold in high esteem.”

On April 16 2021, a luncheon was held to induct the founding members of the Hamilton Society. We wish to thank the following people who have chosen to leave their legacy by way of a planned gift to Toorak College:

++Rosemary Peisley (Bromley, TC’60)

Christine Friday (TC'64)

Barbara Thomas OAM (Phillips, TC'65)

Jill Griffiths (Stewart, TC’69)

Sarah Norris (TC'69)

Carolyn Such (Wiltshire, TC'69)

Jacque Ross (Hazard, TC'71)

Rosemary Sewell (Major, TC'74)

Pam Hall (Wilkinson, TC’75)

Kate Hook (TC'80)

Alison Swift (Hurst, TC'86)

Penny Bowman (Bourke, TC'01)

and all those who choose to remain anonymous.

Sadly, Collegian Rosemary Peisley (Bromley, TC’60) passed away shortly before we could acknowledge her as a founding member of the Hamilton Society. A plaque in the form of a bronze ivy leaf inscribed with her name can be found on the Hamilton Society Memorial Wall, located on the walls of our cherished Chapel.

A second luncheon for those wishing to be inducted into the Hamilton Society as founding members will be held later in the year. To find out more about this opportunity and the benefits of becoming a society member, visit www.toorakcollege.vic.edu.au/thehamiltonsociety or call the Development Office on (03) 9788 7200.

Mrs Penny Bowman - Alumni Relations and Development Manager