It was 31 May 1942. George* was 15 years old, and like every Sunday evening, he was attending church. But this was no ordinary Sunday. It was the night of the Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour. That night George took part in worship at Wesley Mission’s Lyceum Theatre in Sydney’s CBD.

George’s connection to Wesley Mission has been long- standing. And it’s through this enduring connection his inspiring lifelong legacy was birthed. Born in the mid-1920s, George grew up visiting Wesley Dalmar, which was then a foster care home for children, where his parents served as volunteers.

Raised in a Christian household, George has always been a man of faith. He regularly attended Sunday School, including 16 years at Wardell Road Methodist in Earlwood as a student and teacher, which he pointed out, “had such a tremendous impact” on his life.

So, for George, it was his faith that motivated him to give back. Inspired by scripture from the Bible, in 1993, George decided to leave a gift in his Will. And when deciding which charity, George chose to leave his whole estate to Wesley Mission because of its people.

“When I sent my cheque in, a staff member would ring me at home at night to let me know he’d received the cheque. It was a personal acknowledgement. It wasn’t just sending a receipt through the post, but personal recognition. And I was very impressed,” George explained.

While George passed away in 2021, his legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to live on through his gift.

*Name and photo changed to protect privacy.