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Donor Stories
Willson Family
"We've always been believers in leading by example." - Carol Willson
Peter and Carol Willson lead by example. Strong advocates for St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School, and the parents of two Millies, the Willsons have been significant contributors to the School's capital campaign fundraising efforts, believing as Carol says "when you give, it gives back."
As President of Willson International, Peter has not hesitated to lend his corporate support to the campaign as a major sponsor of both the School's Golf Classic fundraiser and the bi-annual gala. Carol is a member of the SMLS Board of Governors. Together the couple have chosen to direct their campaign contributions in support of the athletic programs at SMLS.
"Because both of us are athletic, we see athletics and sport as an important part of raising our girls," noted Carol, adding that they both believe that physical activity is a key component in the development of young women: an emphasis on health and wellness that is identified in the School's strategic goals. Through support in this area students will develop essential skills to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
"The single-gender environment provides the opportunity to create strong, intelligent women who aren't afraid of participating," stated Peter, "and athletics is just another piece of the puzzle."
"With my business...we try to retain the best talent, and focus on more personal interaction and understanding. And I think the School does the same. They're out there being progressive, but at the same time it's a warm, inviting, supportive environment that allows students to be unique."
The Willsons have always believed in the need to lead by example, and have chosen to give in ways that are "athletic and family-oriented" that engages their family, the School and their community.
"It's so important to get the kids interested in philanthropy at a young age and to get them comfortable supporting the community," noted Carol.
With the backing of committed parents like Peter and Carol Willson, contributions to the capital campaign are keeping construction of the new facilities on track for a March 2011 completion date. Following the March Break students will return to the School and be able to benefit from the new dining hall, kitchen, senior resource centre, student lounge, music rooms and new classrooms.
Donors giving their support will indeed discover as the Willsons have, that giving to St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School definitely gives back - a world of possibilities for their children.
DiRisio Family
The DiRisio's decision to support the School's Phase 4 construction was a matter of pride.
"We have to admit, our daughters are quite excited and proud of the fact that we will be involved in the construction of the new phase," stated Deborah Cooper, adding that this was probably the "most influential reason" for deciding to donate their service and materials to the campaign.
"As our daughters Kiera and Avery progress through the School, there will be a sense of ownership to know that we have contributed to providing the best facilities the area has to offer."
A "Winter Garden", benches, and a natural playground for children are all part of the landscaping plans for Phase 4 construction at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School. Thanks to a donation from SMLS parents Deborah Cooper and Dominic DiRisio and their company DDR Landscape Contractors, the new space will provide a green oasis that complements the addition.
"We are grateful to the DiRisio family for making such a significant contribution to Phase 4," stated Jane Wightman, Head of School, "All donations to the Capital Campaign are important, but this one supports our ability to follow LEED standards, while developing a beautiful green space for our students."
DDR is the largest commercial landscape/site contractor in Oakville, specializing in building parks, erosion control, channel diversion, storm management ponds and community development. The company has worked on local projects including South Shell Waterfront Park, Bronte Heritage Park and the Lakeshore Woods Community Development. Supported by an experienced staff, the DiRisio's company has also worked with the Conservation Authority and on heritage projects within the Town of Oakville.
Bringing green to the Phase 4 landscape will be within Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines being followed throughout the build. Natural vegetation along with the preservation of some of the established trees already existing on the property are important components of the design.
New trees will be planted at the front of the School to replace ones removed, while Deborah noted that "healthy trees that need to be moved because of the proposed construction, will be transferred to another location at the school instead of cutting them down."
Among the special new landscaping features will be a "Winter Garden" leading off of the Senior Resource Centre. The year-round garden will feature vegetation that retains its beauty through the long winter months.
From the front of the School to the natural playground with grass covered hills, trees and a new asphalt play track for bicycles at the back of the School, the DiRisio landscaping donation will grow in value and be a legacy enjoyed by Millies for years to come.
Bot Family
Bot Construction Group is a second-generation, family-operated business that owes much of its success to the faith our parents placed in hard work and the rewards of a good education. Today, relevant education programs are a top priority for families and for business, with good reason. We see how quickly our local and global economy has changed. In our own industry, we're facing a shortage of specialized skills, and adaptable, well-rounded leaders are in high demand. As parents, we want to prepare our children for the world of the future.
For us, with two of our three daughters already enrolled as Millies, the emphasis that St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School places on the development of the whole person makes it the ideal place for the girls to learn and for each to develop their unique abilities and interests. Our girls will need academic skills, a strong sense of the world as it is, and the self-confidence and self-knowledge to choose the path that's right for them.
SMLS provides so many opportunities for our daughters to learn and grow; it is a nurturing environment where they are thriving, and where they are challenged in unique and innovative ways using state-of-the-art technology to enhance their learning experience. They are truly excited to head to school every morning.
Giving back to the community and supporting programs like St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School's Capital Campaign is an integral part of the culture of Bot Construction, and simplicity and tax efficiency are important considerations when making charitable contributions. The elimination of the capital gains tax on publically traded securities donated to charity, made contributing to SMLS easier and more affordable. With the help of our registered securities broker, we identified a range of suitable investment products designed to provide the additional tax efficiency we were looking for. The multiple levels of tax savings opportunities made it possible to increase the amount of our contribution to St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School.
The teachers, staff and the programs at SMLS make it an environment of educational excellence in every sense of the meaning.
Bot Construction Group is a heavy civil engineering and construction company, founded in Oakville in 1957 by Silvio Bot. Today Bot Construction is well known for its reputation as a quality builder of roads, bridges and other heavy civil works for public and private sector clients, under the management of Roy Bot, President, Steve Bot, Vice President & General Manager and Nancy Bot Mercanti, Executive Administrator.
The Federal Government has completely removed the capital gains tax owed on donations of publicly traded securities to registered charities. In addition, donors receive a tax receipt for the full donation amount. For information on donating securities, contact Sally Dobie, Director of Advancement at sdobie@smls.on.ca or 905-845-5830 ext. 814.
Forgione Family
The Forgione family makes a major gift to the campaign
Mario and Michele Forgione are firm believers in giving back. Recently the Forgione family made a contribution of $500,000 to the Building Her Future campaign.
The family has three daughters, all 'Millies', and two sons. "Being in a girls' school helps young ladies focus on themselves and their education, as opposed to other things," says Mario. "Boys and girls have different ways of learning. It's important to recognize that and put them in the best place possible."
Eldest daughter Sophie graduated from SMLS in 2004 and is currently at university in Denver, maintaining a 3.9 GPA. "She is a very confident young lady," says her father proudly, "and very focused on doing the things she needs to do to prepare herself for the future. The real caring and nurturing that happens at SMLS helped make her who she is." Younger sisters MariAlex and Jacki are currently in S1 and Grade 5 respectively.
"Making the decision to support the Building Her Future campaign wasn't difficult" said Mario. "We've been very blessed and we recognize that there is a responsibility of privilege. We want to give back to those who have helped us, and also to help other people who may not be able to afford some of the things we have."
A portion of the gift will go toward creating a bursary to support students who deserve the SMLS experience but don't have the financial resources. The remainder will be directed toward Phase IV of the campus redevelopment plan. "As the School continues to grow and expand, it needs to keep up with other educational institutions out there," says Forgione. "If we want to give girls all the opportunities possible, infrastructure is important."
He is confident that other parents will join him in 'building her future.' His recommendation? "Take a hard look at all the advantages that our girls are getting out of this School. Then do what you can to ensure that 20 or 30 years from now, SMLS is still viable and vibrant, and girls continue to have the opportunity to participate in this incredible environment."
Nina Strait and Robert Glegg
Nina Strait and Robert Glegg want the best for their daughters. That's why they are supporting the SMLS Capital Campaign.
First impressions are always important. For Nina Strait and Robert Glegg, St. Mildred's felt warm and inviting the very first time they walked thought its doors. What appealed to them most was the fact that inside the traditional-looking building was a world of modern technology and top-notch teaching facilities. "You look at the exterior and you see pillars and a very conservative style," Nina says. "But on the inside, you find state-of-the-art facilities and a SmartBoard in every room. And the teachers reflect that drive to change with the times as much as the facilities." For them, St. Mildred's had the best of both worlds, and it made their decision to send their girls here very easy.
Their daughters, Jacqueline and Olivia, are in Grade 2 and Grade 3 respectively. Both girls are flourishing at the School, their parents say.
While 'Millies' learn traditional academic and social skills, Nina and Robert appreciate the fact that teachers keep the learning contemporary and relevant. "Checking things out on the SmartBoard is really important to motivate children," says Nina. "And I love the fact that Mrs. Steven uses songs from High School Musical, instead of the Latin hymns we used to learn in my school! Of course the kids are much more enthusiastic about singing songs they love."
The School's global outlook is also important to Nina and Robert. They appreciate the fact that students learn Mandarin and will some day have opportunities to participate in exchanges and international travel. They also value the regular communication and support from the School.Says Nina: "It's so important to know what your kids are doing, and SMLS really encourages that."
Recently Nina and Robert made a significant contribution to the School's capital campaign. Impressed by the impact of the new gym, they'd like to see the School move forward with other projects, including the cafeteria. "Our girls have many years ahead of them at SMLS," says Robert. "It's important to us that the School will be here and have great facilities."
Nina and Robert hope that Jacqueline and Olivia will graduate from St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School and carry its values into their future careers and lives. "The School encourages independent thinking, and gives young women the message that they can achieve anything," says Nina. "It builds character and lifelong friendships. We want that for our daughters."