MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA FOUNDATION REPORT TO DONORS 2026
IMPACT OF GIVING FOR WHAT THEY CAN BECOME
Table of contents 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 11 12 13 15 16 18 20
A Time of Continuity and Transition Growing Confidence in Our Future A Foundation for the Future Community, Opportunity and Impact Impact Snapshot A More Hopeful and Purposeful Future Why We Give Old Boys at the Heart of Giving Learning to Look Beyond Ourselves The Difference a Lifetime Can Make Looking Ahead to 2028 Profile: Frank Porecca Thank You Stay in Touch
Artwork: Peter O’Callaghan, titled ‘Pathways to Community’.
Since 1968 Marist College Canberra has been part of and had its footprints on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. As a College we acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we stand. We pay our respects to them and for their care of the land. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship they have to this land and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation. May we walk gently and respectfully upon the land. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this publication may contain the images, words and/or names of people who have passed away. We are, as Marists, an inclusive and welcoming community. We acknowledge that all are created in the image of our loving God and called to live our lives glorifying the Lord. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, and cultures are therefore welcome and respected equally in the Marist Catholic community.
A Time of Continuity and Transition A message from Liam Stakelum Acting Headmaster
This year has been one of continuity and transition for Marist College Canberra. Periods of transition naturally encourage us to look towards the future, but they also provide an opportunity to reflect on the values, traditions and people that have brought us to where we are today. As I have served as Acting Headmaster this year, I have become increasingly aware that while leadership changes, the mission of the College remains constant. Across every part of College life, I have seen the enduring influence of the Marist values that have shaped our community for generations. Faith, presence, humility, family spirit and a commitment to serving others continue to guide the way we educate, support and care for our boys . During this period of transition, those values provide both continuity and direction. They remind us who we are while helping to shape who we aspire to become. As we look ahead to the next chapter of the College's story, our commitment to creating opportunities for boys in need, fostering a strong sense of belonging and ensuring that every student is known and loved remains as important as ever.
During my time as Acting Headmaster, I have also gained a deeper appreciation of the role played by the Marist College Canberra Foundation. At its heart, the Foundation is a practical expression of those values. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, it helps ensure that more boys can access a Marist education and the opportunities that come with it. The Foundation's work reminds us that caring for one another remains central to who we are as a Marist community. By supporting students and families, it extends opportunities, strengthens belonging and helps ensure that the benefits of a Marist education can be experienced by those who might otherwise miss out. Throughout this report you will read stories of generosity, opportunity and hope. Together they demonstrate the difference that can be made when a community comes together around a shared commitment to the wellbeing and future of young people.
We are also looking forward to welcoming Ryan Greer as Headmaster in 2027. Ryan joins us at an exciting time in the College's journey as we continue to build on strong foundations while looking confidently towards the future. I look forward to introducing Ryan to the many donors and supporters who contribute so much to the life of the College and to the important work of the Foundation. I know he will quickly come to appreciate the remarkable generosity of our community and the profound difference it makes in the lives of our students. As we look towards the next chapter in the life of Marist College Canberra, I do so with confidence and optimism. The values that have shaped our past continue to guide our future, and the generosity of our community ensures that future generations of students will continue to benefit from the opportunities a Marist education provides. Thank you for the part you play in that story.
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Growing Confidence in Our Future A message from Cade Brown Foundation Chair
The past year has been one of growing confidence for the Marist College Canberra Foundation.
Our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that more boys can access a Marist education and to strengthen a culture of generosity within our community. What has become increasingly evident during the past year is the willingness of more members of the Marist family to support that mission.
understanding across our community that philanthropy has an important role to play in the future of the College.
The Foundation exists because of a simple but powerful belief: that every boy deserves the opportunity to benefit from the values, support and sense of belonging that a Marist education provides. Through the generosity of our donors, that belief is being translated into real opportunities for boys and families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing a Marist education.
It has also been pleasing to see the Foundation continue to build relationships across the wider Marist family. Through our engagement with Old Boys, past parents, current families and friends of the College, we are strengthening the connections that unite our community and helping to create a shared sense of responsibility for the generations that follow.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the Foundation's development has been the growing commitment we are seeing from supporters who share our vision. We continue to welcome first-time donors, while long-standing supporters are deepening their involvement and considering how they can create a lasting impact. Increasingly, conversations are moving beyond individual gifts and towards the long-term future of the Foundation and the boys it serves.
As we look ahead, we do so with optimism. The Foundation is gaining momentum, not simply because of funds raised, but because of the growing belief that together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of boys who will benefit from a Marist education.
This report highlights many examples of that generosity in action. It reflects not only the support of donors, but the growing
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Every contribution, regardless of size, helps create opportunities for young men and strengthens the Foundation's capacity to fulfil its mission.
On behalf of the Foundation Board, thank you for your generosity, encouragement and trust. The stories in this report are a reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared commitment to opportunity, belonging and service.
Foundation for the Future Farewell message from Matthew Hutchison Former Headmaster 2018-2026
Buildings will change. Programs will evolve. Leadership will pass from one person to the next. The Foundation, however, has the capacity to continue changing lives for decades to come.
As I reflect on my years at Marist College Canberra, I feel an enormous sense of gratitude for the people, experiences and opportunities that have shaped my time at the College. There are many things I will remember with affection and pride, but among them, the growth of the Marist College Canberra Foundation holds a special place. From its earliest days, I believed the Foundation could become an important expression of who we are as a Marist community. At its heart is a simple but powerful belief: that a boy's financial circumstances should not determine whether he can benefit from a Marist education. The Foundation's purpose of supporting families who could not otherwise afford a Marist College education reflects values that sit at the very centre of our Marist mission. During my time as Headmaster, I had the privilege of seeing those values put into action. I watched donors, Old Boys, parents and friends of the College come together to create opportunities for boys and families they may never meet. I saw a growing understanding that philanthropy is not simply about giving, but about extending opportunities, strengthening community and investing in the future.
Perhaps that is why the Foundation has become the legacy of which I am most proud. Buildings will change. Programs will evolve. Leadership will pass from one person to the next. The Foundation, however, has the capacity to continue changing lives for decades to come. Its impact will be measured in boys who are given an opportunity they may not otherwise have received, in families who find hope during difficult circumstances, and in young men who leave Marist ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them. Since leaving the College in June, I have enjoyed watching the Foundation continue to grow and develop. I look forward to following its progress in the years ahead with love, pride and great interest. I know the generosity of our donors, the commitment of the Foundation Board and the dedication of those who steward its work will ensure an even stronger future. To every donor who has supported the Foundation during my time at Marist, thank you. Your generosity has already changed lives, and the opportunities you have created will continue to shape the lives of boys and families for many years to come.
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Community, Opportunity and Impact A message from Christina Gilmour Director of Advancement
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to meet the people behind the Foundation's work. Over the past year, I have sat with Old Boys reminiscing about their time at school, listened to donors speak about the opportunities they hope to create for others, met students whose lives have been changed through bursary support and spent time with families who understand firsthand the difference a Marist education can make. Those conversations are a constant reminder that while fundraising is often measured in dollars, its true impact is measured in people. What continues to inspire me is the many different ways people choose to support the Marist community. Some make significant gifts. Others make regular contributions over many years. Some share their experience and networks, while others simply offer encouragement and take a genuine interest in the work of the Foundation. Every contribution matters because each one helps create opportunities for boys who may otherwise miss out on a Marist education.
One particularly rewarding aspect of the year has been the growing connection with the Old Boys of Marist Brothers Darlinghurst High School. Through visits to Sydney and Canberra, our luncheon and original school visit in Darlinghurst and many conversations along the way, I have had the privilege of hearing stories that stretch back decades while building relationships that continue to enrich our community today. As I reflect on the past year, I am encouraged by the growing belief in the Foundation's mission and by the generosity of those who continue to support it. Every bursary awarded represents financial assistance but also a community choosing to invest in a boy's future. As we look ahead to the next chapter of the College's story and towards our 60th anniversary in 2028, I am excited by the opportunities that lie before us. We have much to celebrate, but more importantly, we have the opportunity to continue building a culture of generosity that will benefit those Marist boys to come. Thank you for your support, your encouragement and your belief in what we are trying to achieve together. It is a privilege to be part of this community and to witness the difference that generosity continues to make in the lives of our boys and their families.
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IMPACT SNAPSHOT Your Generosity in Numbers
Since 2022, our community has contributed over $1.2 million to open doors for Marist boys and their families.
$1,209,011
In 2025, this has provided a Marist Education for:
14 BURSARY RECIPIENTS
BURSARY BREAKDOWN
1 Indigenous 6 Refugee 2 Single parent, low income 1 Single parent, Old Boys Association 2 Families in significant financial distress 2 RABSEB* 7%
14.3%
14.3%
7%
14.3%
43%
*The Ronda and Arthur Special Education Bursary (RABSEB) is a specific bursary provided to a family experiencing financial distress, whose son would require significant ongoing support throughout his enrolment from the Inclusive Education Department.
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A More Hopeful and Purposeful Future – Kai’s story Many of you will remember Kai who spoke so powerfully at our Donor Appreciation Evening last year. Kai graduated in 2025 and is now working at St Augustine’s College in Cairns, caring for their boarders, many of whom come from regional communities. Nearing the end of his first year, Kai was keen to share his story with you, in his own words. Can you tell us a little about your life before coming to Marist? Before moving to Marist I was living 3 hours away in a little town called Jervis Bay. Growing up in Jervis Bay was an awesome experience as I was living and going to school within walking distance of beaches. But with all the good comes the not so great side which is the small job opportunities and rare chance to be recognised for pretty much anything. Growing up there created a negative look on the future for myself as everyone I knew just got one or sometimes multiple part-time jobs or an apprenticeship and doing a trade. I didn’t want that for myself. I knew I wanted more and I knew I could achieve much more. Growing up on the south coast also made me experience many different behaviours of people around me and made me knowledgeable about what to stay away from and how to avoid those people or situations that can get you caught up in or involved in not so good things. It also opened up my eyes to see the importance of a good home life and role models as I saw a lot of people in my community make bad decisions due to drugs and alcohol and how a difficult home life can impact someone and how they impact and act around others. I was blessed to be raised well by my mum, aunties, uncles, older cousins and my sister. They made sure I had a good head on my shoulders and never got involved or being led down the wrong path as well as staying busy with a lot of sport.
Why did you want to come to Marist College Canberra? What made me attracted to come to Marist College Canberra was at first the conversation with my little cousin who at the time was schooling at Marist. My uncle saw what down home was like and he saw more in myself and like many around me, they all wanted me to do better. How was Marist different from your previous school experience? I was very nervous to walk off the bus on school grounds on my first day. I’d never had to move schools and I knew I was joining within my last 2 years of school which meant everyone would have already had their own friend groups. But from my first day every one of my peers were inviting, welcoming and eager to get to know me.
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Moving away from home at a young age is a big step. What was that experience like for you? It was a very new and challenging experience in being away from family and those who I’m used to being around. But I remember during the first week of me being there my uncle had a chat with me in the kitchen and said to me, ‘You’re living here but you’ve got to look after yourself as I will be looking after your cousins and you are old enough to learn how to do things on your own now. But if you need help just ask’. This was daunting and a bit scary as I never really had to grow up so fast and take care of myself on my own. But I’m so grateful for that conversation as it helped me step out of my comfort zone but helped me get ready for life and being able to look after myself when I was finally on my own.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your time at Marist? One of the biggest challenges for me at Marist was being homesick. There was a period during Terms 2 and 3 when I really missed home and the people around me. I remember calling Mum one night and telling her I couldn't do it anymore and that I wanted to come home. The next day she drove to Canberra and we had a long conversation about the sacrifices that had been made and the opportunity I had been given through the bursary to attend Marist. Mum, my sister and my uncle also reminded me how many younger kids back home were watching what I was doing. I had become a role model without really realising it, and people were hoping I would make the most of the opportunities in front of me. At the same time, Mum never put any pressure on me. She told me that if I wanted to come home, she would support that decision and enrol me back in school the next day. By the following morning, I had made up my mind. I realised how much support was behind me and how many people believed in what I could achieve. I knew I had to give myself the chance to make the most of this life-changing opportunity. What helped me stay was the support from the staff. They never made a big deal of it or singled me out. They would quietly check in, make sure I was keeping up with schoolwork and ask how I was managing with assignments and tests. It might not sound like much, but it meant a lot. I knew there were people who genuinely cared about me and wanted me to succeed. I honestly don't think I would have finished my schooling at Marist without that support. The teachers and staff helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life, and for that I will always be grateful.
What did the bursary make possible for you?
The support from the donors changed my life. It helped me experience things I’ve never even thought about doing or achieving. It has allowed me the opportunity and chance to grow as a person and given me a shot at an amazing education and pushed me towards a future. If I wasn’t given this chance I don’t think I’d be in the blessed position I am in, nor the person I am today. Who were the people at Marist who had the greatest impact on you? What makes Marist so special to me is the amount of people you meet during your time there. Each and every friend, coach and teacher I met during my time at Marist has taught me something different and I’m not even talking about it in the classroom. Without even knowing they have all helped me through my low lows. But they have also been there and celebrated my wins. But I want to thank Mr Hutchison who was the headmaster during my time at Marist College Canberra. He never secondguessed saying hello and having a quick little catch up about family, sports or when I was having my next trip back home. He always made me feel welcomed and always made sure I didn’t miss out on anything the College was doing. I will forever be grateful and thankful for Mr Hutchison and his support and belief in me. What did you learn about yourself during your time at the College? The college taught me a lot from what it means to be kind, respectful, caring,
selfless to how to be a young man. With having many teachers around me helping and guiding me they each taught me so many things that they don’t even know or understand. I am so grateful and thankful for the time and effort they put in to help me not just get through school but to make sure I had the best experience at Marist College Canberra. As I concluded my time at the college I felt I had become not just a better young man but a better person for those around me. You are now working at St Augustine's College in Cairns supporting Indigenous boys from remote communities. Tell us about your role. Working up here at St Augustine's has been so rewarding. I've learnt so much from other staff and also have created a good connection with the boarders so much so that even when I’m not working they want me to come and hangout in the dorms. I’ve learnt so much from how to deal and communication with many parents, the moods and emotions of many kids from a big age range and also how to be including of all and how to handle as well as deal with situations when out in public and having to still manage and supervise many students at the same time. If you could thank Foundation donors directly, what would you say? I’d like to say from the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving me the opportunity to see the world and opportunities in life from a different perspective. Especially when I think about the people who I’ve lost around me and the lack of opportunity for a good education and jobs. With truth in every word, you have truly Changed My Life. I hope you can see what amazing opportunities, the life changing abilities you have and the impact it has on those fortunate to be a part of it.
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Why We Give: Creating Opportunities for Others A message from Current Parents (Names withheld by request)
As our two boys approach the end of their time at Marist College Canberra, we have found ourselves reflecting on what this school has meant to our family. Like many parents, we enrolled our boys hoping they would receive a good education. What we have seen over the years has been much broader than that. Marist has helped shape the young men they are becoming. It has challenged them, supported them, encouraged them and provided them with opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced. Most importantly, it has helped them develop a sense of responsibility for others and an understanding that their gifts should be used in service of something larger than themselves.
We know there are families who would value a Marist education for their sons but face financial circumstances that make it difficult to access. Through the Foundation, we have the opportunity to help change that. This year, our family has made a gift that will support the equivalent of two boys receiving a Marist education through the bursary program. There is something deeply meaningful in knowing that, as our own boys prepare to leave the College, other boys will be given the opportunity to begin or continue their own Marist journey.
We also see it as an investment in the future. The boys who benefit from bursaries today will one day make their own contribution to their families, communities and workplaces. The impact of generosity often extends far beyond what we can see in the moment.
As our boys prepare for the next phase of their lives, we are increasingly aware of how fortunate we have been. We have been blessed with opportunities, support and experiences that have enriched our own lives and those of our children. We do not take that for granted.
For us, giving is not about recognition. In fact, we have chosen to remain anonymous because we are not seeking acknowledgement or attention. We simply want to support the Foundation's work quietly and allow the focus to remain where it belongs: on the boys whose lives may be changed through the opportunities a bursary can provide.
We are grateful for what Marist has given our family. Supporting the Foundation is one way of saying thank you and helping ensure that those same opportunities remain available for others.
That gratitude is what inspired us to support the Foundation.
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Our hope is that this gift will not be a oneoff. We look forward to continuing our support in the years ahead and playing a small part in helping other boys access the opportunities that have shaped our own sons.
Old Boys at the Heart of Giving A message from Max Spencer Chair, Marist College Canberra Old Boys Association
Old Boys have always been an important part of the Marist story. For many of us, our connection with the College does not end when we leave the school. Marist remains a place that helped shape our values, formed lifelong friendships and gave us experiences that continue to influence our lives. It is only natural that so many Old Boys feel a desire to remain connected and to give something back. That support takes many forms. Some Old Boys contribute through donations to the Foundation. Others share their time, professional experience and networks to support current students. Through careers evenings, mentoring conversations, apprenticeship opportunities and work experience placements, Old Boys regularly help young Marist men take their first steps into the wider world. Every one of these contributions matters. The Old Boys Bursary Luncheon continues to be one of the most important events on the Foundation calendar and a wonderful example of our community in action. Each year, it brings Old Boys together to reconnect with friends, celebrate our shared Marist experience and raise funds to support boys whose families may otherwise struggle to access
a Marist education. It is a day filled with fun and friendship, but also a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together. What has always impressed me about the Marist community is its willingness to support others. Many Old Boys recognise that the opportunities they received through their own education helped shape the course of their lives. Through their support of the Foundation, they are helping ensure that future boys have access to those same opportunities. The growing connection with the Old Boys of Marist Brothers High School Darlinghurst has also enriched our community. Their stories, generosity and ongoing support have reinforced the importance of preserving our shared history while continuing to invest in the future. Together, we are reminded that a Marist education leaves a lasting mark, not only on individuals but on the communities they help create. As Old Boys, we have a unique responsibility. We understand the impact a Marist education can have because we have lived it ourselves. Whether through philanthropy, mentoring, advocacy or simply staying connected, we all have a role to play in supporting the boys who follow us. On behalf of the Old Boys Association, I thank every Old Boy who continues to contribute to the life of the College and the Foundation. Your generosity, commitment and example are helping to create opportunities for boys today and strengthening the Marist community for the future.
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Learning to Look Beyond Ourselves While the Foundation exists to support boys and families within our own community, Marist students also devote significant time and energy each year to supporting causes beyond the College. Throughout the year, boys participate in House Group fundraisers, cake stalls, the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal and a wide range of charitable initiatives that support people experiencing disadvantage both locally and further afield. These activities often involve asking friends, families and the wider community for support and, while fundraising requests can sometimes feel frequent, they form an important part of a boy's Marist education. This year alone our students raised approximately: $60,000 for the Br Mark May Bursary Fund $40,000 for Australian Marist Solidarity $15,000 for MINOSA House $15,000 for MacKillop House $10,000 for House Charities $3,000 through the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal $1,700 through the Marist Justice and Solidarity Group Refugee Sleep Out $1,500 through the Vinnies Athletics Appeal $1,000 through RUOK Day Cupcake fundraising $400 worth of pantry items for Minosa House through the Year 5 initiative
These experiences encourage students to look beyond their own circumstances, recognise the needs of others and understand that each of us has a responsibility to contribute to the common good. In doing so, they learn that generosity is not simply about giving money. It is about paying attention to the needs of others, responding with compassion and using their time, talents and resources to help make a positive difference. This spirit of service sits at the heart of Marist education. It reflects the values of humility, presence, family spirit and a commitment to walking alongside those who need our support. By participating in these initiatives, our boys develop habits of generosity that we hope will remain with them long after they leave the College. A culture of generosity strengthens our entire community. It encourages empathy, deepens connections and helps form young men who understand that leadership is expressed through service to others. In a world that often focuses on individual achievement, these experiences remind our boys that a meaningful life is also measured by the difference we make in the lives of those around us.
The Difference a Lifetime Can Make This year we learnt that three members of our community have included the Foundation in their estate planning. While each decision is personal, together they represent a powerful vote of confidence in the future of Marist College Canberra and in the opportunities a bursary can create for boys and their families. These commitments are particularly meaningful as our bequest program is still young, and their generosity will help strengthen the Br Mark May Bursary Fund for years to come. A gift in your Will is a deeply personal way to support future Marist boys. Just as a bursary gives a young man the opportunity and time to realise his potential, a bequest continues creating opportunities long into the future. No gift is too small to make a difference. What matters is the decision to help another boy access the opportunities, support and sense of belonging that a Marist education can provide. That is a generous and lasting expression of belief.
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Looking Ahead to 2028 A message from Christina Gilmour Director of Advancement
In 2028, Marist College Canberra will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Anniversaries naturally invite us to reflect on the past, but they also challenge us to think carefully about the future. What kind of College do we hope Marist will be in another 60 years? What opportunities do we want future boys to have? And what legacy do we want our community to leave behind? For the Foundation, these questions are increasingly important. Over the past few years, we have seen encouraging growth in philanthropy at Marist. We have welcomed first-time donors, deepened relationships with longstanding supporters and seen growing support for the Br Mark May Bursary Fund and its associated bursaries. As we look towards 2028, our focus is not simply on raising funds. It is on building something lasting. Meaningful fundraising is not measured solely by dollars raised. It is measured by the opportunities created for boys, the lives changed through a Marist education and the strength of the culture of generosity that sits behind it. Over the next two years, our priority will be to continue broadening participation across current families, Old Boys, past parents and friends of the College. We hope to grow regular giving, deepen
relationships with supporters and encourage more members of our community to become advocates for the Foundation's mission. The 60th anniversary also provides an opportunity to celebrate and share the stories that have shaped our community. We are also exploring ways to revitalise and expand the College archives. Marist has a remarkable collection of photographs, documents, artefacts and memories. The challenge is not simply to preserve them, but to bring them to life through thoughtful displays, oral histories and meaningful storytelling. History has the power to connect us with those who came before us and to help today's boys understand that they are part of something larger than themselves. One idea that particularly appeals is the establishment of a Darlinghurst Bursary to mark the 60th anniversary. Such a bursary would recognise the extraordinary contribution of the Old Boys of Marist Brothers High School Darlinghurst to the life of Marist College Canberra. Their proud history is part of our story too. Through recent reunions, luncheons and conversations, many of us have been inspired by the strong sense of community that continues to unite Darlinghurst Old Boys.
For today's boys, these stories are not simply accounts of the past. They provide a window into their own future. They remind our students that a Marist education carries responsibilities as well as opportunities. The young men who came before them used their gifts to support their families, contribute to their communities and help build a better society. That remains an important part of what we hope for every Marist boy today. As we begin planning for 2028, we are conscious that anniversaries are most meaningful when they reflect the hopes and values of the community they celebrate. As donors, supporters and friends of the Foundation, we are interested in what is most meaningful to you. What stories should we tell? What projects should we pursue? What would you like your 60th anniversary to celebrate, and what legacy should it leave behind? If you have an idea, a memory or a vision for what 2028 could become, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me and share your thoughts. Because the future of the Foundation, like its history, is something we build together.
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Foundation Board Profile – Frank Porecca What inspired you to join the Marist College Canberra Foundation Board? I was nominated by the MCC Old Boys Committee and saw it as a great opportunity to give something back to a community that has given a lot to me over the years. Can you share a little about your own connection to Marist College Canberra and the school community? It’s really come full circle for me. I went to Marist myself, have stayed connected through the Old Boys community, and now have two sons at the College.
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most is that the Marist connection doesn’t finish when you leave school.
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The friendships and networks continue through business, family and the wider community. Now I get to watch my own boys begin building those same lifelong connections, in some cases alongside the sons of friends I went to school with. There’s something pretty special about seeing those connections continue into the next generation. Tell us a little about your own career. After graduating from Marist in 1995, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics at the University of Canberra. I’ve since spent my whole career in the Canberra construction industry, with a focus on building and property development. I'm also currently President of the Master Builders Association, which has given me the opportunity to give back to an industry and community that has been such a big part of my working life. It’s an industry built heavily around people and relationships, and the friendships and networks I’ve developed through Marist have been a significant part of that journey.
Why do you believe education, and bursaries in particular, are so important to support? A good education can have an enormous influence on the direction of a young person’s life, and that goes beyond the academic side of things. It’s the friendships, values, confidence, opportunities and sense of belonging that come with it. Bursaries help ensure that a family’s financial circumstances aren’t the only thing determining whether their son can have those opportunities. What do you hope to contribute as a member of the Foundation Board? Hopefully, I can bring some of the experience and relationships I’ve developed over 30 years in business in Canberra, as well as my perspective as both an Old Boy and a current parent. Marist has an incredibly strong community. I’d like to help the Foundation engage that community, see it continue to grow and expand, and carry forward the culture and sense of belonging that is such a big part of Marist. Ultimately, I’d like to help turn that goodwill into something that benefits generations of students.
How do you see philanthropy making a difference in the lives of young people both here at Marist and beyond? For me, philanthropy is really about creating opportunities. Sometimes one opportunity at the right time can change the direction of a young person’s life. And the benefit doesn’t necessarily stop with that student. It can flow through to their family and, eventually, to the contribution they make to the wider community.
What would you say to others in the school community who are thinking about supporting the Foundation? You don’t need to make an enormous contribution to make a difference. Marist has a huge community of Old Boys, current and past parents, businesses and friends of the College. If that community gets behind the Foundation, contributions of all sizes can collectively become something very significant.
There’s also the other side of philanthropy and what it means to the person who gives. People genuinely want to contribute to communities and causes that have meant something to them, and the Foundation provides a great way for people to do that. It gives the Marist community a tangible way to give back, knowing their contribution can create opportunities for young people well into the future.
For those of us who have benefited from being part of Marist, it’s a great way of helping provide that same opportunity to the next generation.
What excites you most about the Foundation’s vision to grow an endowed fund and provide opportunities for future students? Coming from the building industry, I like the idea of creating something today that will still be there well into the future. With this fund, we’re not just raising money for today, we’re building something that can continue creating opportunities for Marist boys in 10, 20 or 50 years’ time.
On a personal note, what gives you the most satisfaction when you see the impact of giving on students and their families? As a parent, you want your kids to have a good education, good friendships, opportunities and the chance to grow into fine young men. Knowing that the Foundation can help another family give their son those same opportunities is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, the Foundation’s real success won’t just be measured by the dollars in the fund. It’ll be measured by the boys and families who were given an opportunity because it was there.
IMPACT OF GIVING | 17
As you reach the final pages of this report, one message stands above all others:
THANK YOU Thank you for believing in the power of a Marist education. Thank you for investing in boys and families you may never meet. Thank you for every donation, every conversation, every introduction, every event attended, every story shared and every act of support offered throughout the year. The stories in this report remind us that philanthropy is ultimately about people. It is about a boy being given an opportunity. A family finding hope. A donor choosing to make a difference. An Old Boy staying connected. A parent giving back. A community coming together around a shared belief that every boy should have the opportunity to flourish. Each act of generosity has helped strengthen the Foundation and expand the opportunities available to boys who may otherwise have missed out on a Marist education.
What encourages us most is not simply what has been achieved, but what is being built. Together, we are creating a culture of generosity that reflects the very best of our Marist values. We are building a community that looks beyond itself, cares for others and understands that opportunity carries with it a responsibility to give back. Every boy who learns within that culture is shaped by it. Every family that experiences its support is strengthened by it. Whether you have contributed for the first time this year or have supported the Foundation for many years, please know that your generosity matters. It is helping to create opportunities, strengthen lives and build a brighter future for boys and families. Thank you for helping ensure that more boys can experience the opportunities, belonging and formation that a Marist education provides. With sincere gratitude, The Marist College Canberra Foundation "For who they can become."
18 | MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA FOUNDATION
We thank you for your ongoing support of the Marist College Canberra Foundation. Thank you for your generosity and belief in what we do. Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students and community. If you’d like to learn more about the impact of your giving or ways to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact Christina Gilmour.
Stay in touch Christina Gilmour Director of Advancement christinagilmour@mcc.act.edu.au 02 6298 7218 Marist College Canberra Foundation 27 Marr St Pearce ACT 2607 www.maristcfoundation.org.au
Scan to visit the Marist College Canberra Foundation website.