Focus Forward Fall 2022

focusforward

Creating your legacy for the future of Lakefield College School

Such an EASY way to make a BIG difference

By: Stephanie Edwards P ’09

“My first year at Lakefield I was on financial assistance. So I personally saw and felt the rewards of that.”

For decades Jock Fleming ’74 and his wife, Sue, have been so deeply connected to Lakefield they virtually form part of its DNA. To hear that 14-year-old Jock originally came to Lakefield without a clue where he was going—and through the grace of financial aid—is unexpected. But it does shed light on why Jock and Sue have been so incredibly generous with their time, expertise and donations for over thirty years. “My parents paid the school back,” Jock explains, “but that experience stayed with me, and it’s why Sue and I created The Fleming Family Bursary. We’re big believers in what diversity brings. Whether you’re rich or poor or somewhere in between, we all need to recognize people’s individual strengths regardless of their financial situation, or where they come from. The bursary’s main priority is to reduce financial barriers for great kids who will not only thrive at Lakefield—but enhance it.”

“If you want to improve the environment, create a better social world for all individuals, and encourage diversity, the only way to get there is through education.” Jock says.

“Especially an education that embraces the world,” Sue adds. “LCS students are so lucky that their best friend may be from Germany or Korea or Papua New Guinea. At Lakefield you engage with people from diverse cultures, whether it’s through service trips, working in teams with classmates, or becoming close friends with your housemates. Students at The Grove get access to the world right in their own backyard.”

Another aspect of Lakefield both Jock and Sue cherish is its location. Being by a lake, surrounded by woods and fields, far from the distractions of big city life, Lakefield is not only a safe, friendly community, it’s an ideal springboard for taking exciting—even lifechanging—risks.

“In Grade 9 I did an Algonquin canoe trip,” Jock says. “There were six of us with three canoes. And the leader was in Grade 10.

1879 Societ y LA KEFIEL D CO LL EG E SCHOOL

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Jock ’74 and Sue Fleming out front of Buckingham Palace, UK.

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Such an EASY way to make a BIG difference

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It was basically: ‘Here ya go, boys. Here’s a map—you’re at Canoe Lake. See ya in three days.’ Those kinds of adventures are memorable because we were flexing our independence, doing something outside our comfort zone, without supervision. Lakefield has always been about helping kids grow beyond their comfort zone, and it’s still key to the Lakefield experience.”

“One of the great things about LCS is that the staff are always challenging students to push themselves,” Sue says. “They know them. And with their guidance and encouragement, kids develop their potential, trying things they might otherwise have avoided: performing, debating, expeditions, service trips, skiing, camping, dancing. The list is endless.”

“And that’s a huge benefit for kids today—and in the future,” Jock adds. “Taking risks is what life’s all about. Whether we fail or succeed, it’s how we learn who we are. Risk management at Lakefield today is definitely more robust than in the 70’s, but there are still plenty of ways for kids to challenge themselves—driven by the nature of the school itself.”

The affection Jock and Sue feel for Lakefield is palpable. Their sons John ’03 and Rob ’06 loved their

years at LCS, and the family has countless heartwarming stories that span multiple decades. They also walk the talk. For over thirty years Jock and Sue have donated to the Annual Fund, and Jock was instrumental in launching The 1879 Society to encourage planned giving.

When asked why he thinks planned giving is important for the school, Jock says, “It’s critical. Legacy gifts provide the largest endowments independent schools receive. And what’s brilliant about planned giving is that it doesn’t have to cost you anything now. Yet down the line it can be a really significant contribution.”

What would Jock say to someone who was new to the concept of planned giving?

“If you believe in the value of an LCS education for the next generation, a legacy gift is a fantastic way to support the school. Make a donation in your will, or create an insurance policy. It’s such an easy way to make a big difference.”

On behalf of the entire LCS community, past, present and future, thank you Jock and Sue for your many years of extraordinary support and for remembering Lakefield College School with your legacy gift.

Will you follow Jock and Sue’s example and consider leaving your own legacy gift to Lakefield? A gift of any amount will help to ensure that LCS continues to have a positive influence for future generations.

Lakefield College School Foundation

County Road 29 Lakefield, Ontario K0L 2H0 | 705-652-3324

Student delegates from LCS travelled to the Round Square International Conference, UK LCS Jr. Soccer Team pictured after a 4-0 win over Greenwood College School

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What is the 1879 Society?

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In 1879, The Grove opened its doors to 15 boys, marking the beginning of what would become the Lakefield College School of today.

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In honour of this humble start, and the foresight of our founders, the Lakefield College School Foundation established the 1879 Society to recognize and thank donors who have made provisions for future gifts in their Will or through their estates to support Lakefield College School.

Members of the 1879 Society primarily include donors of bequests (gifts in their Will), life insurance, real estate, or the proceeds of a TFSA/RRSP/RRIF. All gifts, regardless of the amount, will help LCS meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

If you are interested in learning more about the impact that you could have on the future of The Grove and its students, contact:

T The LCS Foundation Office foundation@lcs.on.ca 705-652-3324 ext. 349

Did you know?

If Lakefield College School is in your Will or other estate plans for $100,000 or more, you may be able to name a bursary or scholarship after anyone you choose AND change the life of a teenager — forever.

For more information and sample language, visit: www.lcs.on.ca/LegacyGiving and download our guide “Gifts By Will”.

www.lcs.on.ca/LegacyGiving

In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words

In Their Own Words

Our Students Share Their Gratitude for Their LCS Experience

Our Students Share Their Gratitude for Their LCS Experience

Our Students Share Their Gratitude for Their LCS Experience

Coming to LCS has changed not only the way I learn, but how I see the world and how I want to live my life. I’ve changed so much in the past three years and LCS has become a second home to me. I’m so grateful for everything that Lakefield has provided me and the opportunities I’ve been given to grow alongside friends from all over the world. Your contributions mean so much to me and I’m so appreciative of the opportunities you’ve helped me to explore.

Coming to LCS has changed not only the way I learn, but how I see the world and how I want to live my life. I’ve changed so much in the past three years and LCS has become a second home to me. I’m so grateful for everything that Lakefield has provided me and the opportunities I’ve been given to grow alongside friends from all over the world. Your contributions mean so much to me and I’m so appreciative of the opportunities you’ve helped me to explore.

Coming to LCS has changed not only the way I learn, but how I see the world and how I want to live my life. I’ve changed so much in the past three years and LCS has become a second home to me. I’m so grateful for everything that Lakefield has provided me and the opportunities I’ve been given to grow alongside friends from all over the world. Your contributions mean so much to me and I’m so appreciative of the opportunities you’ve helped me to explore.

I get to spend my days at LCS with some of the best people in the world. These are people who I cannot imagine not staying in touch with as my life progresses. School talks about that. What they don’t talk about is how me and my friend Maggie would spend the entirety of lunch out of breath from laughter and how Liv and I fist bump before every test for good luck and all the countless inside jokes. Those are the things about Lakefield I’ll remember.

I get to spend my days at LCS with some of the best people in the world. These are people who I cannot imagine not staying in touch with as my life progresses. School talks about that. What they don’t talk about is how me and my friend Maggie would spend the entirety of lunch out of breath from laughter and how Liv and I fist bump before every test for good luck and all the countless inside jokes. Those are the things about Lakefield I’ll remember.

I get to spend my days at LCS with some of the best people in the world. These are people who I cannot imagine not staying in touch with as my life progresses. School talks about that. What they don’t talk about is how me and my friend Maggie would spend the entirety of lunch out of breath from laughter and how Liv and I fist bump before every test for good luck and all the countless inside jokes. Those are the things about Lakefield I’ll remember.

Grade 11 Bursar y Recipient

Grade 11 Bursar y Recipient

Grade 11 Bursar y Recipient

All in all, I am so grateful to have received this bursary. Without it, I would never have been able to see truly what Lakefield offers beyond the brochure. I am happy to go to school every day and graduating will be bittersweet. Your generosity has enabled me to make countless memories in some of the most unassuming ways I never could have expected at Lakefield College.

All in all, I am so grateful to have received this bursary. Without it, I would never have been able to see truly what Lakefield offers beyond the brochure. I am happy to go to school every day and graduating will be bittersweet. Your generosity has enabled me to make countless memories in some of the most unassuming ways I never could have expected at Lakefield College.

All in all, I am so grateful to have received this bursary. Without it, I would never have been able to see truly what Lakefield offers beyond the brochure. I am happy to go to school every day and graduating will be bittersweet. Your generosity has enabled me to make countless memories in some of the most unassuming ways I never could have expected at Lakefield College.

Grade 12 Bursar y Recipient

Recipient

When I first applied to LCS, I did so knowing that my family was not in a position to be able to send me. I applied anyway, because I believe that good things happen when you share your aspirations with the world. I cannot possibly put into words how overjoyed I was when I was told that I would be able to attend the school of my dreams, and that is all because of your generosity.

When I first applied to LCS, I did so knowing that my family was not in a position to be able to send me. I applied anyway, because I believe that good things happen when you share your aspirations with the world. I cannot possibly put into words how overjoyed I was when I was told that I would be able to attend the school of my dreams, and that is all because of your generosity.

When I first applied to LCS, I did so knowing that my family was not in a position to be able to send me. I applied anyway, because I believe that good things happen when you share your aspirations with the world. I cannot possibly put into words how overjoyed I was when I was told that I would be able to attend the school of my dreams, and that is all because of your generosity.

…You have no idea how grateful I am for your contribution to my education. You really have touched my life, but also the lives of all of those people who I promise to continue to support.

…You have no idea how grateful I am for your contribution to my education. You really have touched my life, but also the lives of all of those people who I promise to continue to support.

…You have no idea how grateful I am for your contribution to my education. You really have touched my life, but also the lives of all of those people who I promise to continue to support.

Grade 9 Bursar y Recipient

Grade 9 Bursar y Recipient

Grade 9 Bursar y Recipient

Captions L-R: (1) Grads smile as they receive their t-shirts on orientation day. (2) Students were happy to be back in the classroom. (3) Students harvest vegetables at Northcote Farm.

Captions L-R: (1) Grads smile as they receive their t-shirts on orientation day. (2) Students were happy to be back in the classroom. (3) Students harvest vegetables at Northcote Farm.

Captions L-R: (1) Grads smile as they receive their t-shirts on orientation day. (2) Students were happy to be back in the classroom. (3) Students harvest vegetables at Northcote Farm.

Whether they are learning how to make the world a better place, connecting with their community or sharing their passions through the arts and athletics, our students will continue to contribute in meaningful ways. The support of our community puts our students first by helping to fund innovative and inclusive programming, campus enhancements and tuition assistance to ensure more promising students can attend Lakefield. Your generosity will ensure that The Grove remains a special place for our teenagers to live, learn and grow —Now and in the future.

– Anne-Marie Kee, Head of School and Foundation

What inspired to make a gift through your estate? you

“Our family feels very committed to supporting LCS and we encourage others to consider how they might contribute—including legacy gifts or donations.”

– Karen and Greg McKnight P ’13 ’16

“By making a gift in our Will, we are able to do our small part in helping those students who otherwise might not be able to take advantage of the life-changing Lakefield experience.”

– James ’84 and Barb Hicks P ’17 ’20

“If you can leave something in your Will to help LCS thrive in the future, it’s like helping society in general. The Grove cultivates good people. And the world can always use more of those.”

– Phil and Simone Babineau P ’14 ’16

Students enjoyed a Fall pontoon boat ride with Anne-Marie Kee.

Grade 12s learned new skills and enjoyed teambuilding during their Algonquin Expedition.

Four Easy Steps

It's easy to establish a gift in your Will for LCS. With these four simple steps, you can make a difference for future generations of LCS students.

Make a Plan

Consider if you would like to leave a specific amount of money or a percentage of your overall estate. Your professional advisors can help determine what is best for you.

Ask for Advice

If you are revising an existing Will, ask your lawyer to add a codicil (an addition that modifies part of your Will) that establishes a gift tor LCS.

Talk to Your Lawyer

Provide our legal name, address and charitable registration number (CRN) to your lawyer. They will take it from there!

Share With Us

Please let us know if you have left a legacy gift to Lakefield College School. We would like to thank you personally, discuss how you would like your gift to be used, and offer options for recognition - if you wish.

Legal Name and CRN:

School

County Road 29, Lakefield, Ontario K0L 2H0

Find out how to make your legacy gift to LCS with a gift in your Will.