Inaugural Canberra philanthropy award recipients Jo Farrell and John Hindmarsh with former Hands Across Canberra chair Di Kargas Bray. Photo: Supplied.
Last week, we farewelled John Hindmarsh AM.
I use the word “we” deliberately, because the man who began Hindmarsh Construction with a single employee in his own house almost 50 years ago belonged to Canberra as surely as many of its buildings had once belonged to him.
Like his comrade Terry Snow, who died last year, Mr Hindmarsh believed in giving back to the city that provided him and his family with their chance to thrive. Success came in great measure, but the Hindmarshes, like the Snows, stayed local and gave back.
Both Terry and John were recipients of the Canberra Philanthropy Award, a rare honour bestowed on those who go above and beyond for their community.
And they’re not alone. We’re blessed with others in this town, like Glenn and Mel Keys of Aspen Medical, Roger and Maxime Tall of Capital Chemist, and more, who are steadily and consistently devoted to giving back and doing it well.
It’s often a family affair: Rosanna and John Hindmarsh were always a team, as were Terry and Ginette Snow. Many a good cause has stayed on its feet thanks to Brand and Peta Hoff or Greg and Margaret Boorer.
The next generation grows up giving, and these values are embedded in the family story, as seen in Darrell Leemhuis, a third-generation builder who is now among our most generous donors.
Donors are not all obviously wealthy either. I recently spoke with a woman in a small, neat suburban home in Canberra’s north who was considering a $500,000 gift after selling her property.
“I’ve been careful all my life, I know what it’s like to be poor, and I want to give back”, she explained. “There are plenty of people who need it more than I do”.
I’m not sure what philanthropy looks like in the big cities, where a glitzy social scene apparently attaches to the label, but in my experience, that’s not how we do it around here.
People give quietly and consistently. They do their research. They seek good causes that are local, and they help their neighbours. They invest in the process, ensuring they’re not fair-weather friends who disappear when the social spotlight moves on.
As a longtime journalist, I rarely saw local philanthropists ask for personal recognition. During my time at Region as group editor, it was more common for a local business owner to pull me aside and ask for their advertising content to be deployed, instead, on whatever good cause they wanted to focus on.
These are the people who lead by example, and they richly deserve the respect shown them by their community.
So how does this affect ordinary Canberrans? It’s the end of the financial year, and in all likelihood, you’ve been working through a welter of receipts, getting everything in order for the ATO.
Given the bleak weather, you’re probably working somewhere warm, with a cuppa in hand and a comfortable bed nearby. But not all Canberrans share that good fortune, and EOFY is an excellent time to think about a tax-deductible donation to a charity, including your community foundation.
When you donate to Hands Across Canberra, you help everyone in Canberra, not just a single cause or charity. Every cent stays here at home, where we can see the results firsthand.
Many thousands of Canberrans live in poverty, and many more face disability, exclusion, or significant physical and mental health challenges. Food insecurity is rising and the housing crisis hits hard, especially for those already struggling with other issues.
As 30 June approaches, we’re asking our community to come together and give where you live. Your donation will create real change for those who need it most and help to build a fairer, more connected community for all Canberrans.
Genevieve Jacobs is the CEO of Hands Across Canberra, the ACT’s community foundation.
