One of Australia’s biggest philanthropists whose money helped millions of Aussies has died.
She and her husband Greg Poche gave away more than $150 million to numerous causes after selling his logistics business Star Track Express for $750 million in 2003.
They primarily handed over cash for health facilities around the nation.
That included paying for Poche Centres for Indigenous Health at universities around the country to the tune of over $50 million.
They also gave $5 million for a hospice for young people in Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches, where they lived.
They gave $40 million for a melanoma specialist The Poche Centre in Sydney which at the time was the biggest-ever donation to a single cause in Australia.
Charities, health organisations and politicians have paid tribute to Van Norton Poche, calling her a “visionary” and hailing her generosity.
“‘We are forever indebted to the foresight, generosity, and kindness of both Kay and Greg Poche,’ said Melanoma Institute of Australia Deputy Medical Director Associate Professor Jonathan Stretch, said.
The North Foundation, the fundraising partner of the Northern Sydney Local Health District said her “legacy of generosity and compassion has left an indelible mark on our community and her unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare will inspire for generations to come”.
The Foundation said she was being treated by oncologist Professor Stephen Clarke, at Royal North Shore Hospital, who called her a “visionary”.
Kay was born in upstate New York, USA and she said her generosity was inspired by her father, who survived fighting in WWII and wanted to help those who were less fortunate.
When husband Greg sold his business she said the couple were inspired to help others.
“After the sale Greg and I looked at each other and we thought ‘oh my goodness this is 10 times over what we can spend in a lifetime, let’s give it away, let’s give it back to the country,” she told the Manly Daily.
The couple were also big benefactors of the Manly Sea Eagles NRL team.
In 2019, Kay received an Officer for the Order of Australia.
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Local MP James Griffin also praised her legacy.
“Unfortunately we have lost a wonderful person who made an impact that will never be forgotten,” Manly State MP James Griffin, said.
“Her generosity, alongside her husband Greg, has ensured that people who need help no matter where they live in NSW will get it.”