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History

 

Founded on June 14, 1923 by Lord Mayor of the day Sir John Swanson, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation was first known as the Lord Mayor’s Fund for Metropolitan Hospitals and Charities.  Sir John was determined to ensure that Melbourne had an organised fundraising program to support the health and welfare of the city’s growing population. 

Sir John was visionary in his approach to fundraising and invited representatives from hospitals, trade unions, the general public and charities to form the first fundraising committee. 

Over the years the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation has included Flower Day appeals and disaster relief fundraising for the Bush Fire Appeals both in 1939 and 2009 and Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

On June 14 1923, Melbourne’s daily newspaper The Sun captured in photos, the moment the Lord Mayor’s Fund for Metropolitan Hospitals and Charities was officially launched by the Acting Premier Sir Williams McPherson.