The Benefits of Being Generous

Thriving isn’t just about what we do for ourselves but is also how we treat others. Recent research out of Switzerland found that ‘generosity makes people happier, even if they are only a little generous,’ and ‘merely promising to be more generous is enough to trigger a change in our brains that makes us happier.’

When we think of generosity, most often we think of donating money, but that is only part of it; generosity is a form of lifestyle that can be adopted at any age and lends itself to many varied acts of kindness. Becoming a generous person involves being helpers, sharing our time, paying attention to people, encouraging others, and listening. Generosity is associated with developing empathy, a critical life skill, better mental health, and is linked to happiness – even a small act of kindness, like picking up something someone else has dropped, makes people feel happy.

At Toorak College, we see our staff and students act generously and show kindness on a daily basis. Our students know that they are part of a broader community where each individual is valued and that everyone is responsible for those around them.

In Wardle House, the kindness letterbox is often overflowing with anonymous notes of thoughtful messages that promote kindness and gratitude. The Wardle House 2019 Christmas appeal, in support of ‘Mums Supporting Families in Need,’ resulted in the donation of over 1400 presents and 120 food hampers, with many students commenting how appreciative and grateful they are for all they have. In the Senior School, each week students spend time giving back to the local community by making breakfast for those who often go without. Across the whole school, our association with our designated charity of choice, ‘One Girl’, demonstrates to students the powerful impact their combined efforts can have.

They say generosity is contagious, and our community’s ongoing show of generosity and support towards the School and wider community in recent times has been nothing short of remarkable. Leading by example, highlighting positive outcomes and discussing our values are all actions we can take to foster the spirit of generosity in our girls and ensure that they experience the joy that generosity can bring.

Mrs Penny Bowman - Alumni Relations and Development Manager

For more information on how you can support Toorak College via a tax deductible or planned gift, contact the Development Office on (03) 9788 7208 or email giving@toorakc.vic.edu.au