Support YHS

Annual Giving

Future Possibilities

Q&A with Shannon Chung and Phoenix Shih

What do you enjoy most about being our Annual Giving Co-Chairs? 
Shannon: As a volunteer, I love the opportunity to connect with the entire school. Senior School parents share their wisdom and experiences, while at the Little School, I am reminded of where the magic begins. I can also lend support to new families at the school. The Annual Giving Campaign has had such an immediate and positive impact on our girls and we couldn’t do it without every family, every year. This appeal fuels the possibility at York House for our daughters. 
 
Phoenix: Being able to connect with the York House community every day while raising funds for important school priorities is beneficial for all our daughters’ education. It is rewarding knowing that the whole YHS community comes together to support the school in creating an abundance of possibilities for our Yorkies. Everyone cares and is involved! 
 
What do you hope to accomplish this year as Annual Giving Co-Chairs? 
Shannon: We hope to continue to inspire the community to participate, and tell stories about the powerful impact the Annual Giving Campaign has on York House. 
 
Phoenix: Last year, six grades were successful in completing the grade challenge, we hope even more grades can achieve 100% participation this year. We truly appreciate everyone in the YHS community for making a contribution in support of our students. 
 
Why should families participate in the Annual Giving Campaign? 
Shannon and Phoenix: Together we are stronger! The Annual Giving Campaign is a way for us to shape the future of the school and contribute to what we believe in and care about the most - providing the best possible education and learning environment for our daughters. We hope families will join us with the same enthusiasm and support as last year. We encourage you to contribute at a level that is meaningful to your family as it’s all about participation! Thank you for your generosity and let’s make 2022-23 the best year yet!

Shannon Chung (Danica ‘29 and Teagan ‘31)
Phoenix Shih (Elena '31 and Estelle '35)

About Annual Giving

The Annual Giving campaign at York House offers parents, alums, and friends of the school the opportunity as a community to enrich the learning environment for our Yorkies on a daily basis.

This appeal plays a vital role in enhancing the student experience through supporting the innovative educational and co-curricular programming and resources we deliver to the girls.

Tuition fees and government grants alone do not cover the cost of a York House education. Annual Giving not only bridges this gap, but it also plays a vital role in making York House’s programs exceptional and maintains our reputation for excellence.

The campaign launches every October and runs until the end of the school year in June. Every member of the York House community is asked to participate and make a donation to support the Annual Giving campaign at a level that is meaningful to them.

Supporting the campaign has an immediate impact on our girls. It also demonstrates your support and partnership in the mission of the school and inspires others to give.

Your donation to the Yorkie Fund may be unrestricted, to offer the most flexibility. Unrestricted gifts are allocated at the Head’s discretion to take advantage of opportunities, meet challenges, and fund school priorities to ensure we are providing the best programs and resources for our students. Annual Giving donations may also be directed to a specific area or project that you would like to support.

You can choose to make an outright gift or choose to pledge a donation over a year. Donations can be made online or directly, by credit card, cheque, or transfer of securities. Click here to donate now.

Every gift, no matter the amount, is received with gratitude and appreciation. Thank you for your support.

If you would like to get involved, please contact Nik Williams-Walshe, Executive Director, Advancement, at [email protected].

Tax receipts are issued for Annual Giving donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • What is Annual Giving?

    Annual Giving is the school’s community fundraising campaign, running from October through June each year. Annual Giving enables the school to achieve its vision by enhancing the fundamental curriculum and creating the level of educational excellence that parents expect when they choose York House for their children.
  • Why does York House have an annual giving campaign?

    Tuition and government grants do not cover the full cost of a York House education. The school relies upon the annual giving campaign to bridge the gap, so as to fund extra programs and materials, scholarships and financial assistance, technology, equipment and so much more. Annual Giving allows the school’s administration to take advantage of opportunities, to meet needs, and to support the school’s priorities.
  • What’s the difference between Annual Giving and Parents’ Association fundraising?

    Parents’ Association fundraising is separate and different from Annual Giving. The PA is a parent-run volunteer organization that provides opportunities for parents to be involved in the York House community in various ways, including a range of fundraising initiatives.

    Money raised through PA events and undertakings is allocated by a vote at the Spring General Meeting. Members of the PA – that is, parents of current students – are entitled to vote at this meeting.

    Cash donations to the PA can be designated to the Parents' Association Tiger Scholarship Fund, and thus ‘counted’ as a family’s Annual Giving donation. Funds raised by the PA through events such as Bid Night are not counted in the Annual Giving campaign.
  • How will my donation be used to support York House?

    Donations to the Annual Giving campaign may be unrestricted or directed.
    • Unrestricted (The Yorkie Fund): These funds are allocated at the Head’s discretion, to take advantage of opportunities, to meet challenges and to support the school’s priorities. Unrestricted funds allow the school’s administration the greatest flexibility to address the school’s needs and to adapt to changing circumstances.
    • Directed: Donors may direct their gifts to a specific area they’d like to support, such as to the Little School, or to Senior School music or sports programs, new technology or science lab equipment. Donors may choose to support funds that allow the school’s talented and dedicated teachers to access professional development opportunities or to take a sabbatical and come back to the school with new perspectives, skills, and inspiration. Or, donors may give to one or more of the YHS Foundation’s scholarship, fund or bursary programs.
    All gifts may be recognized, or made anonymously. They may also be made in honour, or in memory, of someone important to you.
  • Will my gift make a difference?

    Yes, absolutely! Your gift sends a powerful message that you believe in York House School and the value of an exceptional education. While some donors will be leaders, we recognize that each family’s ability to give differs. That’s why we ask parents to make an annual donation that’s meaningful, yet within their means.

    Gifts don’t have to be large to make a difference – every single gift is important. Small gifts, when combined with others, create a big impact. No one should feel that a gift is too small to be worthwhile. Donating to the Annual Giving campaign strengthens the school’s sense of community, and reflects the collective sense of purpose.
  • How much should I give?

    Giving is a personal matter. We ask every member of the York House community to make a donation to the Annual Giving campaign, every year, at a level that’s within their means.