It was the multiplier effect of teaching one person to help many that drew Peter to philanthropic giving, particularly at St Vincent’s.Peter Hui never expected Reiki to shape the way he thought about giving.
With a background in engineering, software and systems, Peter describes himself as someone who once trusted only what could be measured.
That mindset began to shift in the early 1990s, while in business school in Hawaii. There, he first witnessed Reiki – a form of hands-on healing originating in Japan which would go on to change the course of his life.
“At first I thought it was ridiculous,” Peter said. “But I saw people genuinely feeling better. That’s when I got curious.”
By pure coincidence, a Reiki Master from Melbourne was also at the business school, so Peter was able to learn Reiki when he returned home. It marked the start of his decades-long practice alongside wife Mandy, culminating in becoming a Reiki Master and being able to tune others into the skill.
“The real power isn’t just helping one person,” he said. “It’s teaching someone else how to help many.”
This multiplier effect was what drew Peter to philanthropic giving, particularly at St Vincent’s. His connection began more than 20 years ago, when his mother was admitted to the hospital, and was later strengthened through one of his Reiki patients.
“I will never forget the first patient I supported – a 20-year-old with late-stage cancer who was being treated by St Vincent’s. I was so moved when he was discharged and experienced nine months of remission,” Peter said.
These truly personal experiences, coupled with years of attending St Vincent’s Foundation Victoria events, have only brought Peter and St Vincent’s closer together.
At first, he gave where there was a need. But more recently, one area has stood out: nursing education. After attending a scholarship presentation for nurses undertaking postgraduate study in palliative care, something clicked.
“When you support education, the impact keeps multiplying,” he said. “You’re not just helping one nurse. You’re supporting every patient they care for, and every colleague they go on to teach.”
That’s why, when Peter celebrated his 70th birthday last year, he asked friends not for gifts, but for donations toward nursing scholarships.
“I didn’t need more things,” he said. “But this could genuinely make a difference.”
Their response was positive and raised $5,781 to contribute towards a nursing scholarship – an investment Peter believes will pay dividends for years to come.
“If you help one nurse grow, they’ll help hundreds of patients,” he said. “That’s what meaningful giving looks like.”Peter would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated in lieu of a birthday gift. Your generosity is helping nurses continue their education, and in doing so, supporting better care for countless patients now and into the future.
