CAPTION: Back row: Will Isaacs, left, Property Brokers agent Benn Milne, developer Murray Searle, Greytown School board of trustees chair Alistair Plimmer; middle row: Luca Dempsey, left, Spencer Telford, Archie Schrader, Claudia Hopkins, Ariella Perry; front row: Florence Bailey, left, Ruby Milne, Jillian Swan PHOTO/BECKIE WILSON
By Beckie Wilson
Ten thousand dollars could be spent on a world trip, or a deposit on a new house, but for Greytown School the generous donation is the equivalent of many cake sales and raffles.
The school was handed a $10,000 cheque raised by a new Greytown developer, Murray Searle, and Property Brokers agent Benn Milne, at yesterday’s school assembly.
Each Sunday in May, they had opened the gates to the new sub-division on Westwood Ave for the public to buy peony plants.
The sub-division was originally an apple orchard, which was then converted to peony crops for exporting. However, the remaining peonies were in the way of infrastructure development.
Greytown School deputy principal Neil Preston said they have not had a chance to discuss what the money will be used for but appreciated the donation.
“It is a lot of raffles and cakes sales to make that up,” he said.
He wanted to thank Mr Searle and his wife, Jenny, and Property Brokers for the “incredibly generous donation”.
The demand for the peonies had left the two “overwhelmed” with the first picking day having raised $10,000.
“The first weekend felt like we opened gates for a rock concert,” Mr Milne said.
Mr Milne, who shares the listing with fellow agent Amy Bailey, said the pair spent about 15 hours in total on site, and said raising $20,000 in that time was “impressive”.
Mr Searle said it was only obvious that they donate the funds to a school. His wife and two children are teachers, and knew first-hand that schools can always do with more funding.
“It is all about the youth and that where money should be spent,” he said.
“We will be happy to support them as time goes on.”
Another $10,000 was donated to the Greytown Sport and Leisure Society which received the cheque on Thursday.
