Alan Parker had travelled to Malawi twice to work with the foundation, providing aid and development in communities. 

The Mt Clear College assistant principal, Ballarat Cricket Association president and Golden Point Cricket Club life member  died suddenly in October. 

His wife, Jenny Parker, had travelled with him to Malawi a few months before he died. 

Golden Point secretary John Ogilvie contacted Globe International Limited and had 500 pairs of socks donated which have been sold to raise some of the funds. Socks were a pet hate of Alan, after students disobeyed the uniform policy for plain white socks. 

Fellow teacher and family friend Steve O’Loughlin, who led the fundraisers, said Alan was an enormous part of the school over two decades and the donation celebrated his connections with many parts of the community. 

“Alan had a good crack at everything, so it would be remiss of us not to,” Mr O’Loughlin said. 

Mphatso Foundation committee member Mark Johnstone said the money would help to fund one of its programs, providing a daily nutritious meal of porridge with nuts to the 1000 children attending its nursery schools. 

Mrs Parker said she could see the importance of the foundation in her husband’s life. 

“I’d like to go every year now. I know it would mean a lot to him,” Mrs Parker said. 

She said she was overwhelmed by the constant support from the community.

“It has helped the family through our grieving process, to see so many people who

care. This money is absolutely going to the right place. 

“It was his passion.”