Toowoomba millionaire Clive Berghofer played Santa for Queenslanders this year, pledging $50.1 million to medical research. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: News Limited
MEET our real life Santas, Queensland's big-hearted philanthropists who give year-round.
Between them, the men and women on our fourth annual Sunday Mail Big Givers List have donated, or pledged, a whopping $94.7 million - the most since we began compiling the list.
Few are household names and most shun the limelight.
They have made their money in many different ways, but one thing they all have in common is the desire to share their financial success with others.
This year's list is topped by Toowoomba developer Clive Berghofer who set a record for a philanthropic donation by an Australian in August when he pledged $50.1 million to what is now called the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane.
The gift of $2 million a year over 25 years will be used to support world-leading research into cancer, infectious diseases and mental health.
"There would not be anyone who has not been affected by cancer, either themselves or a family member or friend," Mr Berghofer said.
"Years ago if you got cancer, that was the end of you but thanks to research, we can prolong people's lives now."
The 78-year-old, who struggled with dyslexia and left school at 13, went on to become a business success worth an estimated $320 million, putting him No. 32 on Queensland's Top 150 Rich List.
He already given tens of millions of dollars to various medical, educational and sports causes over the years and says he does so because "I like helping people''.
Another beneficiary is the RACQ Careflight rescue helicopter services which receives about $175,000 a year.
"A guy they had rescued rang me one day and thanked me for saving his life. That's a big thing," Mr Berghofer said.
David Kennedy, who spent five years as Australian director of Atlantic Philanthropies, said role models such as Mr Berghofer were very important in encouraging other wealthy people to experience "the sheer magnificent joy of giving".
Dr Kennedy, who helped organise Mr Berghofer's gift, said it had been a fabulous year for philanthropy in Australia.
Another local hero on our list is Jeff Underhill of the Redland region, south-east of Brisbane.
The 85-year-old, who made his money in industrial real estate, and his wife Geraldine gave $1 million to the Capalaba Lions Club to build a new community and day respite centre.
They also plan to leave their estate, valued at about $12 million, to the club, providing an ongoing income stream.
"It will be the richest Lions club in Australia,'' Mr Underhill said. "We don't have any family so we thought hard about the best use for the money after we've gone."
Despite his own age, Mr Underhill also volunteers every day, delivering meals on wheels.
Other newcomers to this year's list include Gold Coast businessman Terry Jackman, who donated $1 million to the Mater Foundation to set up a neonatal research fund in honour of former long-term Mater administrator Sister Angela Mary.
Family Court judge Peter Hilton's widow, Robyn, donated $500,000 to the Queensland Brain Institute to help create a five-year fellowship to study Alzheimer's disease.
