A Guide to Planning Your Legacy

A Message from the Principal

Dear Community,

The story of Planned Giving at Havergal College dates back to our first Principal, Ellen Knox, who understood the importance of vision, planning for the future and the impact one's legacy can have on the future of others. It was these values that led to the purchase of the Anderson Farm in 1923, which today makes up our beautiful 22-acre campus located at Lawrence Avenue and Avenue Road, ensuring her legacy is part of every student’s future.

As she reflected on her legacy and plans to include Havergal in her will, Ellen Knox made a thoughtful decision upon her passing, to bequeath her motorcar and financial assets toward the purpose of establishing student bursaries for students for whom tuition was a barrier. Her gift would be among the first of many planned gifts received over the course of our 125-year history. We, at the Havergal College Foundation, understand the importance of taking steps to protect those you love through an updated estate plan. Many Canadians don’t have a will, which means their estate will be decided through a costly process that does not honour an individual’s intentions or wishes for how they want to be remembered. A Guide to Planning Your Legacy offers insight into the types of planned gifts, common questions associated with estate planning and assists with making the process understandable A plan is important as one’s legacy can be transformational. For example, Old Girl/Alum Marion Rooke (Class of 1928) established a fund that today is valued at almost $600,000 and provides over $21,000 annually in financial support for current students and continues to grow in value for future generations. Similarly, much-beloved teacher, Marcelle De Freitas, who taught at Havergal from 1944 to 1984, left the largest staff and faculty estate gift to date with instructions to support the school’s goal of furthering the socioeconomic diversity of our student population. These two gifts alone have supported the education of young women and will continue to do so for generations to come. It is common to attribute one’s formative foundation to their special academic experience. We recognize this meaningful contribution reflects the loyalty and fondness you hold for your time at Havergal College. Thank you for considering Havergal as you plan your legacy.

Sincerely,

Katrina Samson, PhD Principal of Havergal College

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