Meet Australia’s most generous family ‘bringing light’ into the lives of the nation’s neediest

A Victorian couple have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to various fundraisers over the last decade – and now they’re calling for others to join them.

The Ottobre family has earned the title of Australia’s most generous family, having given hundreds of thousands of dollars away to those in need.

Tony and Lynn Ottobre started their donating journey in 2015 after losing their daughter Jenni to brain cancer in hopes of finding a light in the darkness and helping others through hardship.

Since then, they have donated over $300,000 across dozens of GoFundMe fundraisers.

“It started years ago when our daughter passed away in 2015, she passed away from brain cancer, and we felt that affiliation with similar patients going through problems that our daughter went and of course their parents,” Mr Ottobre told news.com.au.

“I think that brought us a lot closer to being a bit more charitable than what we normally be.

“It's a terrible position to be in, so we thought that if we could help others in some way that would be good.”

Tony Ottobre and his wife Lynn have been labelled Australia's most generous family, having donated $300,000 over the last decade. Picture: Supplied

Mr Ottobre said most of the fundraisers the couple donate to are in support of brain tumour patients, but in April 2023, they decided to step up to help leading jockey Dean Holland’s partner Lucy and his four young children after he died in a tragic racing accident.

After failing to find a fundraiser in the hours after Mr Holland’s death, the couple decided to take matters into their own hands and create a GoFundMe – raising almost $2m in the process.

When asked about being titled Australia’s most generous family Mr Ottobre simply responded: “Well, it’s probably better than being the opposite.

“I suppose it’s something that you don’t even think of, we’re not even thinking about being generous other than trying to help people.

The couple began their donating journey in 2015 after losing their daughter to brain cancer. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve worked extremely hard … that we’re comfortable enough to donate and help where we can. If we’re got some extra and when we can, we help.”

Mr Ottobre joked the pair will continue to donate until they run out of money, adding they feel “much better” after donating to a cause that resonates.

“Donating makes you feel better. It’s as simple as that.

“I’m happy for everybody else who is doing something similar because I know the kick they’re getting out of it, what they’re doing to help other people.”

It comes as new research revealed Victoria’s – the state Mr and Mrs Ottobre call home – most generous profession are tradies.

To celebrate it’s tenth anniversary, GoFundMe has uncovered who are the most generous everyday Aussies.

Victorian tradies donate an average of $732 per year – 56 per cent higher than other states and a whopping 80 per cent higher than the national average across the country.

Why? Builder Cameron Londsdale believes the close-knit communities created on the worksite extend to others doing it tough.

Mr Londsdale said tradies were “fairly compassionate people” who tend to look out for each other and the wider community, especially for a cause that hits home.

“For my most recent donation it was to the drought for the farmers,” he told news.com.au.

“I actually lost my uncle to suicide and he was a wheat farmer, and I know it’s not really relevant to the actual drought itself but I know how hard he used to struggle with certain things … trying to help when I can.”

Tradies were revealed to be Victoria’s most generous workers, donating an average of $732 a year. Picture: iStock

He began donating about five years ago, often supporting fundraisers to do with farmers and mental health, and called for others to do what they can.

“Any little bit that you can spare helps especially with those the (issues) I’ve mentioned, the farmers and mental health, they’re such important issues and they’re never going to go away,” Mr Londsdale said.

“If you can help, it’s definitely worth it.”

The data shows Aussies are generous no matter where they live and what they do for work.

“Victoria stands out with the most generous tradies compared with those in other states,” GoFundMe Regional Manager Nicola Britton told news.com.au.

The research showed that 40 per cent of Australians will donate as far as two degrees of separation. Picture: iStock

“By contrast, in New South Wales, our most generous group comes from the healthcare sector. “In South Australia, it’s those working in finance and banking who give the most, and in Western Australia and Queensland, we see strong support from the education and public sector communities – each averaging around $650 in annual donations.

“Our research shows that Australian generosity extends to two degrees of separation – nearly 40 per cent of us would donate to a friend of a friend.

“We also see strong support for cases of stolen tools, and causes involving mental health, recovery after accidents, and support for the families of colleagues.”

“Aussies are quick to act when someone is in need.”

Originally published as Meet Australia’s most generous family ‘bringing light’ into the lives of the nation’s neediest