Kathy Douglas's fond memories of attending school, learning to swim and become more independent at StGiles prompted the establishment of a new innovation fund for the organisation.
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In the 1950s, between the age of six and 12, Mrs Douglas travelled from her home in Ulverstone to live at the school.
"There were 30 of us that lived here for the term," Mrs Douglas said.
"I learned to swim here and at Christmas they put a stage over the pool and we all took part in a play. We had a cruise to Gravelly Beach too," she said.
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As president of the Law Society of Tasmania, Evan Hughes chose StGiles as the group's charity for the year, with that support helping to establish a StGiles Future Foundation.
He was inspired to choose StGiles after hearing Mrs Douglas, who is also his mother-in-law, speak about her schooling at the Newstead site.
"My mother-in-law is a good example of the work StGiles does," Mr Hughes said.
"She's an inspirational person, raised two terrific kids - one of which is my wife - and is actively involved with looking after our children. It was an easy decision.
"The Law Society will work with the profession to encourage people to consider StGiles as beneficiaries of their will," he said.
The StGiles Future Foundation will not replace existing fundraising appeals, but will focus on bequests or significant donations to allow St Giles to continue to innovate, chief executive Andrew Billing said.
"It's StGiles' ability to be innovative and problem solve that makes us a sector leader and one of the most well-regarded disability services in Australia," Mr Billing said.
"We believe now is the right time to establish a Future Fund to give Tasmanians certainty about StGiles' role in supporting Tasmanians living with disability."
Donations made to the StGiles Future Foundation will be set aside to future-proof the organisation, which helps thousands of Tasmanians each year with physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, mobility and assistive technology services.
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