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View all programs Pat reflects on 100 years of kindness
01 April 2022
Pat’s grandfather lived to help people. When Pat was just three years old, her mother died. Along with her brother Ray and sister Liz, she went to live with her grandparents. Her grandfather Herbert would encourage them to give away toys and books to those in need. And nearly 100 years ago, he was fundamental in the early days of The Smith Family.
“My grandparents gave us a wonderful childhood,” says Pat who is 95. “My grandfather instilled the importance of doing good. He was such a generous and kind man.”
Pat’s grandfather was aware of the urgent need to do more in his local community to support those struggling with disadvantage.
Pat has warm memories of early Smith Family fundraisers with him. “There were big concerts for the children and all people at Christmas time,” she says. “I went to these as a child. They had a magician. I can still remember that!”
And Pat took her grandfather’s example to heart. She’s given 50 years of volunteering to the Red Cross. Pat’s daughter Diana followed the calling too and is part of her local VIEW Club, raising funds for The Smith Family and deeply connected to our work. “The Smith Family has come a long way,” says Pat. “It’s had an amazing legacy.”
It’s this tradition of giving that Pat will continue with her amazing decision to leave a gift in her Will to The Smith Family. Because of people like Pat, future generations of children in need will get support with their learning, so they can gain the skills to build a better future.
“It is a nice way to honour my grandfather and the beginnings of The Smith Family,” says Pat. “It’s wonderful that it can continue.”
Pat has warm memories of early Smith Family fundraisers with him. “There were big concerts for the children and all people at Christmas time,” she says. “I went to these as a child. They had a magician. I can still remember that!”
And Pat took her grandfather’s example to heart. She’s given 50 years of volunteering to the Red Cross. Pat’s daughter Diana followed the calling too and is part of her local VIEW Club, raising funds for The Smith Family and deeply connected to our work. “The Smith Family has come a long way,” says Pat. “It’s had an amazing legacy.”
It’s this tradition of giving that Pat will continue with her amazing decision to leave a gift in her Will to The Smith Family. Because of people like Pat, future generations of children in need will get support with their learning, so they can gain the skills to build a better future.
“It is a nice way to honour my grandfather and the beginnings of The Smith Family,” says Pat. “It’s wonderful that it can continue.”
Read more student and family stories in our Autumn 2022 edition of Real People, Real Stories.
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