TREASURE
History of philanthropy – Archivist Jane Teal
C hrist’s College has a long history of philanthropy. It began with the gift of land by Maria Somes in memory of her husband, Joseph Somes, that endowed the Somes Scholarships and continues today. Old Boys, their friends and wives have gifted money for prizes, cups, and buildings. Ongoing endowments have benefitted boys in a myriad of ways, enabling them to compete in academic and sporting events throughout New Zealand and all over the world. Philanthropy is not just individual bequests or gifts – it is about joining forces with others. In 1958, there was an appeal to Canterbury Old Boys for pews for the Chapel and in 1963, the Board of Governors launched an appeal – for the first time in its existence – to raise funds for an Assembly Hall. It drew on parents, friends, and Old Boys to raise the necessary funds. Concurrently, the 125th Anniversary Fund – launched in 1958 by the Old Boys’ Association – continued. Based on the Centenary Fund that had gifted £20,060 ($40,120) in 1950 as a mark of gratitude from Old Boys, parents, and friends, it aimed to raise $60,000 by 1975. A Deed of Trust was entered into with the New Zealand Insurance Company Ltd and it became the custodian for the fund. An Advisory Board of seven members – elected by the Old Boys’ Association – was to decide on the investments to be made in stocks, shares, and local body debentures and
to direct the custodians. This fund was based on an annual contribution to the fund. By Saturday 11 October 1975, $100,000 was presented to the Warden on behalf of the school. Towards 2000 was a plan to build a gymnasium and science block. Although the Board agreed to underwrite the project, it was hoped to raise additional funds through an appeal. Despite a delay which centred on funds that could be obtained from in-house resources, the appeal to raise $500,000 through interest-free loans over five years was launched in August 1975. These loans would mean that College would not have to service debt. The plans were outlined in a booklet, which included information about the repayment of the loans. The appeal enabled College to proceed with the buildings and many Old Boys made gifts of their loans at the end of the five years. The most recent large-scale project began with the 150th Anniversary Fund, which asked for sums in multiples of $20 per year for 15 years, or multiples of $300 to be given. Over time, this fund centred on the Old Boys’ Theatre. A very large cheque for $875,000, dated 13 October 2000, was presented by past Presidents of the Association to Christ’s College at its opening in October 2000. About 775 Old Boys contributed to seats, windows, and blocks of the theatre itself while the Stars ’n’ Stripes Concert raised another significant sum.
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PHILANTHROPY
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