Brisbane Boys’ College and the Red Bag Appeal

For more than a decade, Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) has been a valued supporter of the Red Bag Appeal, helping bring joy to Brisbane families who may otherwise face a difficult Christmas. Each year, BBC students and their families donate hundreds of toys for Santa’s Grotto at the Brisbane Relief Hub, where parents and caregivers can choose gifts that feel special for their children. 

The significance of this tradition is not lost on Penny, Brisbane Relief Hub Manager, who sees firsthand the impact these donations have on local families. “Every time I come to Brisbane Boys’ College, I am truly overwhelmed by the incredible support the school radiates each year. Their generosity of a mountain of Christmas toys to give out to children who may have otherwise gone without touches our hearts and reminds us all that the magic of Christmas is already here.” 

For Associate Chaplain Tom McPherson, BBC’s involvement in the Appeal reflects a natural extension of the school community’s desire to give back. He sees how deeply the act of giving resonates with families. “Many of our parents want to provide so much for their own children, and when they think about other children going without at Christmas, it has a huge impact on them,” he says. “They hope that the children who get the gifts feel seen and that someone cares about them. I've also had countless discussions with parents who are simply grateful for the opportunity to give.” 

While BBC is one of many schools and community groups who contribute to the Red Bag Appeal, their long-term commitment is a reminder of what the Appeal represents: people coming together to make sure no child feels forgotten.  

For students, participating in this tradition leaves a lasting mark as well. Tom has witnessed firsthand how service molds young minds: “I've seen it happen time and time again — the young men of the College who engage [in] fundraising and volunteering for different organisations become more thoughtful, more compassionate and more generous. The boys who do the most, mature the most, and their service becomes an instinctive reaction to the needs they see in the world.” 

The Red Bag Appeal thrives because communities choose to care. And thanks to supporters like BBC, that spirit of generosity continues to ripple through Brisbane — reminding us all how powerful it is when people come together to give back.