Torch - Fall/Winter 2019-20

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Limitless Campaign Donor Profile

Eleanor McCain Professional Singer & Recording Artist

By Maggi Patterson

W hen Eleanor McCain reflects on for the experiences, opportunities and friendships that her daughter Laura David, Grade 12, has gained since her first day of Kindergarten. Over the past 14 years, McCain has expressed this appreciation not only through her support of the Limitless Campaign , but also by donating her time in various ways: acting as a Grade Rep when her daughter was in the Junior School, participating in Havergal’s career networking initiative and Day 9 programs and, most recently, performing at Havergal’s 125th anniversary event Past, Present, Future at Roy Thomson Hall. “If there is something that I can contribute in any way, I am honoured and grateful to give back to the school,” explains McCain. Like her mother, David is also a passionate singer and songwriter who has explored her interest in many areas of Havergal, including computer science, social sciences, Model U.N. and volleyball. As an only child, she has cultivated close bonds with her classmates throughout the years and even partnered with three friends to start the She Clothing Co. when she was in Grade 9. “Havergal’s teachers, students and facilities have all contributed to the woman she has become. Havergal, she feels a sense of gratitude

I think we should feel such gratitude that the girls have access to this level of education,” says McCain. This sense of appreciation is what motivated McCain to contribute to the Limitless Campaign , which will help to create spaces that inspire learning with enhancements to Havergal’s Junior and Upper Schools. “The new facilities will give students the opportunity to explore, feel inspired and take risks, while gaining a sense of what is possible,” says McCain. After careful consideration, McCain and David decided to contribute to the planned Makerspace at Havergal’s Upper School because of David’s passion for computer science and wish to promote women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Located in the art and tech wing, the Makerspace will act as a drop-in area for students to use for cross-disciplinary projects, while supporting an expanded Robotics program. For David, encouraging women to pursue their interest in STEM-related fields— predominately occupied by men—is another step toward gender equality: a topic that she has shown interest in through her involvement in She Clothing Co.

With the slogan “help girls help the world,” the non-profit aims to raise money for organizations that support empowering young women. “I think it is important to live life in gratitude and part of that is sharing what you have and giving back,” says McCain when speaking to the importance of philantrophy. To date, the success of the non-profit has produced two $1,000 scholarships for Girls E-Mentorship and is half way to raising $3,000 for the STEM program at the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment. Although this school year marks David’s last year at Havergal, McCain hopes that the new facilities will empower future students to explore their passions, much like her daughter. “Each student at Havergal has thrived because of past donors who have given to Havergal,” explains McCain. “Our daughters are the future. Donating to Havergal’s Limitless Campaign is about looking back in gratitude for the education our daughters have received, while also looking toward the future they will build.” Havergal is looking forward to welcoming students into the new spaces, including the Upper School Makerspace, starting in the 2020–21 school year.

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