4 minute read
The transformative power of philanthropy
from The Pillars
Daniel Weinzweig’s relationship with Pickering College began over 30 years ago, when his son Josh began at the school in Grade 9.
“He was a bit irascible and resistant; he had no interest in going away to school when he could be happily causing trouble at home,” he chuckles. “It was a great relief to me when he was accepted at Pickering, and I think it turned out to be the right decision, the right place for Josh, because he thrived and every year he was there he did better and was happier. It improved his demeanor and his academics, and it was primarily because of the people at the school and the values the school stands behind.”
Daniel credits the school for the way they embraced the late Joshua Weinzweig ’91 and did not shy away from a challenge. “There was so much love and understanding, and so much compassion and empathy. No student could resist it! And it shaped Josh— they were the best years of his life.”
To this day, Daniel remains close with Josh’s friends and classmates at school, particularly Rocklyn Mohammed ‘93 (who lives in Trinidad) and Laurence Jones ‘91 (who lives in London).
“Laurence called me last year to tell me he took Josh’s name for his Hebrew name at his Bar Mitzvah because Laurence found out that he was Jewish,” says Daniel. “It was very special. These are inexplicable connections in life that you cannot explain logically, but they’re magical and it was alchemy that all of this happened, which was wonderful for Josh but it did a lot for me and my family.”
To honour Josh’s memory, over two decades ago Daniel approached the school with an idea for a creative writing program.
“Josh’s passion for creative writing, his interest in literature and poetry, which was nurtured by his teacher Dean Gessie, who was a great support and inspiration,” he explains. “His grandmother, Helen Weinzweig, was a well-known author—they used to talk about writing a lot. They had a great relationship around his interest in writing. But it was also the school itself—from his difficult adolescent years to his maturation—the staff and teachers, and his friendships with fellow students, were very important to him.
From day one, the Joshua Weinzweig Creative Program was embraced by the school, and for that, Daniel is grateful.
“Charitable giving is building a relationship with a cause or mission that touches you,” he says. “When I think of my son Josh, it was education, and it was specifically Pickering College. But I wanted to have a legacy for him at the school. It’s about making a difference and having impact and inspiring others to join you in that mission.”
After witnessing the transformative impact of the creative writing program, Daniel’s commitment to Pickering College deepened. To ensure that future generations of students would benefit from similar opportunities, Daniel has left the school a legacy gift in his will to ensure the endowment for the Joshua Weinzweig Creative Writing Program will continue in perpetuity. “It’s important to identify causes and organizations that have been important to you in your life and to remember them in your will,” says Daniel. “It’s probably one of the easiest ways to make a charitable donation, it’s impactful and makes a difference.”
With his ongoing support, the Joshua Weinzweig Creative Writing Program continues to grow and evolve in wonderful, creative ways that are opening students’ imaginations to what is possible.
“I am excited about the idea that there are new initiatives, and the way the school is opening up the program to cross-pollination with the theatre program, with CHOP FM, and across a range of media, whether it’s podcasting or video, to enhance the student experience,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity to adapt the program to the future of where students might apply these skills later in life, whether it is professionally or just a matter of their interest, and where they might take it.” In terms of what advice he might offer others when it comes to charitable giving, Daniel says that it’s important to identify a need and then give from your heart—the benefits you receive as a donor far exceed the gift to the beneficiary.
“As a donor, I’m part of an institution that is making young people’s lives better and preparing them for the world in a way that I think makes their lives better in the future. To me, that is what I take away from the relationship with Pickering College and it has just been a fantastic part of my life.”
