Geoff turns 90, but is the gift giver

His generous friends and family dug deep, allowing Geoff to donate more than $3000.

The amount was split evenly between Deniliquin CanAssist and Youth Off The Streets - a youth homelessness charity run by Geoff’s nephew Fr Chris Riley.

“I have always worked tirelessly for organisations that help people in need,” Geoff said.

“I thought that if I have a gathering, I would ask people to make a donation.

“There were to be no gifts, just donations.

“I was very happy to be be able to provide just more than $1500 to each of the charities.”

Geoff said the donation did not include the extra donation to Youth of the Streets from Neville and Debbie Purtill, and the Purtill family.

“The Purtills are regular supporters of Deniliquin CanAssist, so they made a point of writing a cheque for Youth of the Streets this time.”

Geoff’s charity plans were revealed earlier to Deniliquin CanAssist, with some of its committee’s volunteers invited to be part of the celebrations.

The donation for Youth Off The Streets was a surprise for Fr Chris, who surprised his uncle right back.

“Fr Chris has been in the hospital the day before (the party) and he would have had to drive himself, so I told him not to come,” Geoff said.

“I got quite the surprise when he turned up.”

Geoff was joined by about 120 guests in total at the Deniliquin Golf Club on Saturday for lunch.

As well as Fr Chris making the trip from his home near Sydney, Geoff said other nieces and nephews came from Griffith, Bendigo, Echuca and Canberra to mark the milestone.

His other guests were from the local area.

“It was just a lovely day,“ he said.

Geoff’s actual birthday was on May 16.