Year Group Giving: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” (Helen Keller).

With the support of our generous alumni community, QEH has been able to provide meaningful impact through the gifting of financial aid for poor families in Bristol since 1590.

Some of our alumni choose to give as part of a year group, which increases the power of their gift. OE and governor, John Hollingdale, is a member of the 1969 Year Group who tells us more about why they support our bursary programme:-.  

I am very grateful for the opportunity QEH gave me. My parents’ life had been disrupted by the war and they were not well off but they were determined to give their five children a good education. As the youngest, I was even more determined not to let them down and won a scholarship to QEH as a boarder. Even though my time at QEH was a tough experience, it gave me an opportunity in life for which I will always be grateful. QEH gave me the chance in life my parents did not have, which is why I was motivated to be part of a Year Group Giving scheme. 

The idea of collective giving first arose around 7 years ago from the Director of Development at the time, who suggested that I, and others from our year group, worked together to support a bursary place. After a bit of amazing cajoling from one of my peers, we became a group of 7 givers who donate what we can on an annual or monthly basis to support a pupil at School who would not be here otherwise.  

I speak on behalf of the 1969 Year Group Givers when I say that we are immensely proud to be supporting boys and their families who would not have the opportunity to benefit from a QEH education without our support. 

I urge you to consider to do what you can to either start a group or be part of a group so that as a collective we can offer more opportunities to Bristol families who would not have the opportunity to benefit from a QEH education.  If you are not sure where to start then speak to the Development Team or alternatively reach out to others from your year to get the ball rolling. Whatever you can do will help.

“I charge you never to forget the great benefits that you have received in this place, and in time to come according to your means, to do all that you can to enable others to enjoy the same advantage……”

John and the 1969 giving group have been instrumental to our bursary scheme, and that is thanks to the power of collective giving. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our donors. Without donors and group givers, we would not be able to provide opportunities to Bristol families who would otherwise not be able to afford an education at QEH.  

As mentioned above we are looking to increase the support we give through our bursary scheme and if you feel able to contribute, no matter how large or small your gift, then we would love to hear from you.  Contact Michelle Hazell: mhazell@qehbristol.co.uk