2009 Winter Annual Fund - Download donation package below

Dear Member of the De La Salle Community:

The need for an independent Catholic education, that sets and maintains the highest standards in a world which unashamedly rewards mediocrity and superficiality, has never been greater.

A Lasallian education in the Roman Catholic tradition has over the course of more than three centuries now proven to be a means by which young people can acquire the values and virtues that will make them persons of integrity and generosity once they enter the world beyond De La Salle College. An education here is not limited to gaining university entrance but is rather meant to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

A great deal of hard work and dedication by staff, parents and generous donors have made it possible to keep tuition fees at levels which allow as many families as possible to access a private Catholic education in a province where there is no government assistance of any kind. Many families have to go to great lengths to send their children to the College. As well, every year the number of students on bursaries and scholarships continues to increase. This approach is an indispensable characteristic of a Lasallian education.

The school has been very well-managed and is in sound condition despite the economic times and the fact that tuition fees here are considerably less than elsewhere.

It is, therefore, necessary to enlist again this year your co-operation and generosity. I am writing you at this early stage in the academic year to ask for your help in providing financial assistance as we begin our fund raising initiatives. My experience over some fifteen years now tells me that I can depend on the parent community to raise significant funds through the annual gala, the school shoppe and other fund raising events. It is my hope that many alumni, both recent and past, will respond to the call to give generously in order to assist the school in carrying out its mission of providing a quality human and Christian education to the young.

Naturally, the need for more bursaries and scholarships is paramount. Almost ten percent of the school population receives some form of financial assistance. A goal of fifteen percent has been set by the Board of Directors and me for the next few years. This can be achieved with your help. Funds are needed to offset the costs for example of a new roof for the main building. Plans to open a summer camp require the enhancement of some facilities, and a new track and viewing stands are desirable. The cool weather of this summer should not detract us from the need to look at air-conditioning in the main and centre buildings. These alone represent significant expenditures.

I am very confident that many of you will respond with a generous spirit. The special mission of the College which has played such an important role in the life of the Catholic community of Toronto for almost one hundred and sixty years now is both worth preserving and enhancing. Please accept my gratitude for any support you may have given in the past. I hope that you will be able to help. Finally, I ask for your prayers for the students and their teachers that Divine Providence will bless them with the courage and strength to be people of faith and zeal.

Yours respectfully,

Brother Domenic Viggiani, FSC
President

BDV/cg

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