Countdown to 2022 Campaign End Date
“Every gift, no matter the amount, is received with gratitude. Thank you for your ongoing support.”
Jen Dodds
Students’ educational experiences help shape who they are, what they do and how they do it.
Our students are honoured as individuals with distinctive abilities and interests and unique paths of growth. Yet no matter who our students grow to become, they will always be strengthened by community.
The Annual Giving campaign funds are generally earmarked for items in teacher wish lists and capital projects to make and create even greater learning opportunities for all our student. Priorities include:
As our school community grows, the need to update and expand on the basics is important.
Computers and a mobile charging cart designated for our Student Support department will ensure that all students have access to the resources they need.
While Waldorf education places children at the heart of its pedagogy, Waldorf schools depend on the teacher as a fulcrum for the educational process. Teachers are WWS’ greatest asset. Our annual fund allows teachers to pursue professional development opportunities that contribute significantly to growth in their areas of service.
A fundamental principle of Waldorf education is respect for human rights and the diversity of humankind, and the belief that inclusivity and equality is both a moral and educational imperative. Support us as we engage in meaningful and long-term commitment to incorporating Indigenous knowledge, culture, and partnership into our practices, policies, and curriculum. Donations will help fund continued partnerships with Indigenous consultants, professional development workshops and resources for our classroom and teacher libraries.
For a small business or personal donation/tax credit – We can work with your budget to match a specific contribution amount(s) and add a business acknowledgement or an Honor/Memorial dedication in our communications. (Or you can remain anonymous.)
To make sure all of your donation goes to WWS – You can also send an E-transfer directly to WWS’s Finance Dept. You will still receive tax receipts for your gift and it saves more of your donation by helping us save on credit card transaction fees.
Every year, Giving Tuesday fall on the last Tuesday of November or sometimes the first Tuesday in December. Our campaign officially ends the week of Giving Tuesday however, we accept donations year-round for the capital fund or for one-time/monthly general donations.
Make a personal gift or a monthly donation, with receipts issued for donations over $20 as a tax-free charitable donation.
The Whistler Waldorf School has provided a holistic and experiential Waldorf education for more than 20 years thanks to the support of families, alumni, Board Trustees, staff, and local supporters including the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the Whistler Community Foundation, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Annual fundraising helps WWS bridge the gap between tuition income and our program expenses and is a vital element of our school’s success. No amount is too small to make a big difference.
All gifts are fully tax-deductible. Please consider a gift today.
Every year there are a multitude of needs that go beyond the regular day-to-day operations of running a not-for-profit independent school. The Annual Giving campaign funds are generally earmarked for items in teacher wish lists and capital projects to make and create even greater learning opportunities for all our students. Fundraising may be used for:
Who supports the Annual Giving Fund?
We strive to receive 100% participation from current families, Board Trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, grandparents, alumni and community supporters.
How much should I give?
You are the only one who knows how much you are able to give, and we ask only that you give to the best of your ability. We encourage each family to make the school a philanthropic priority especially while your children are in attendance.
Why is participation important?
The school’s financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all members of its constituency. Participation sends a strong message of support for the school and our students.
What does the Annual Giving Campaign support? The Annual Fund is designed to address the education needs of our children as they arise, providing faculty-requested program and facility enhancements across the continuum.
Why am I being asked to support the Annual Giving campaign in addition to paying tuition?
Tuition fees and government grants alone do not cover the full expense of a Whistler Waldorf education. As an independent school and non-profit organization, Whistler Waldorf relies on the generosity of our community members in helping us to bridge the gap.
Why not raise tuition?
Whistler Waldorf maintains one of the lowest tuition rates among independent schools in our area. At our tuition level, the school is able to make a Waldorf education affordable to more families. Tuition and fees don’t fully cover the full costs of educating our students, so we, like other independent schools, conduct fundraising galas and Annual Giving campaigns.
Likewise, many families appreciate the opportunities to claim a tax deduction. Tax receipts are given for donations to the school whereas tuition is not tax-deductible.
For more than 20 years, hundreds of volunteers and community members have come forward to help get our school where it is today. Without their help, support and initiative, the WWS would not have thrived or become what it is known as today – a strong independent school of choice in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and one of only three full kindergarten-Grade 12 Waldorf Schools in Canada.
Below are ongoing posts with reflections, thoughts and pics of the last 20 years from lifelong founders, parents and member contributors: