Scotch College

Boarders enthusiastically 'give back' to the community

Boarders Hugh Clark (left) and Tom Bear collect money for charity at the MCG

“Think back – give back” has been the recent theme of Scotch’s Annual Fund, in which Old Scotch Boys have been encouraged to give back to the School a little of what they have tangibly gained as a result of their Scotch education.

Many of Scotch’s boarders are enthusiastic givers, in a variety of ways, to the local community. Along with day boys, they participate in Scotch’s community outreach program on Thursday afternoons, with some senior boys visiting special schools to develop friendships and play cards with the students.

Others go to nursing homes and play bridge or just sit and chat with the appreciative residents. The visits are valuable for the residents, and fulfilling for the boys.

But the boarders’ contribution to the community is not confined to Thursday afternoons. Large numbers of boarders willingly and regularly give up their free time to help a variety of causes. For example, 40 boarders from Year 8 and above – more than a quarter of the entire boarding house population – took part in the Red Cross doorknock during Term 1, raising almost $4,000.

Other similar-sized groups have participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal during Term 2, regularly raising more than $3,000 for the Salvos’ vital work. Five boarders rattled tins during an AFL match at the MCG, collecting several hundred dollars for the Berry Street Victoria child protection organisation. In years past, boarders doorknocked for the Hawthorn Community Chest as well.

There is also no shortage of volunteers from the boarders’ ranks for visits to the Red Cross Blood Bank in South Melbourne. On a recent visit, 12 boarders donated blood.

In other years the boarders have helped set up and dismantle the infrastructure for Vision Australia’s Easter fair. One of their favourite activities is to help hide Easter eggs for the fair’s egg hunt. Boarders have also volunteered as drink station attendants during Vision Australia’s fundraising River Run.

So a spirit of “giving back” is very much alive in the Scotch boarding house – and the hope and expectation is that this benevolent attitude will always be part of a boarder’s outlook on life.

David Ashton