Growing
Shawnigan’s Future
The Personal Journey and Legacy of C.W. Lonsdale
The story of Shawnigan Lake School starts with the personal journey of C.W. Lonsdale. Born in England’s Lake District in 1886, he attended Westminster School in London before moving to Canada, where he ran a farm and later the Strathcona Hotel in Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia.
By 1912, Lonsdale began to dream of building an academic institution in the tradition of Westminster School. This dream became reality in 1916 when he founded Shawnigan Lake School with six students. Within a decade, enrolment neared one hundred boarders, and the School was recognized for its academic excellence. From 1916 to 1952, Lonsdale’s vision and determination built Shawnigan into one of Canada’s leading boarding schools.
The School has withstood world wars, economic crises, pandemics, and ever-changing educational landscapes, and remains one of North America’s largest and most prestigious boarding schools.
Shawnigan’s journey continues, rooted in tradition yet always reaching forward. Today, the School serves over 550 students in a vibrant co-educational environment, supported by its three strategic pillars of Academic Excellence, Student Life Unparalleled, and Co-Curricular Distinction. Shawnigan remains dedicated to providing promising students from diverse backgrounds with an education that shapes them intellectually, socially, and personally – with need-based scholarships and financial aid continuing to be a key strategic priority for the School.
Lonsdale’s vision endures, and with the continued support of our community, future generations will benefit from the same exceptional opportunities.
Honouring the Past, Empowering the Future
Reflecting on the past, understanding the present, and envisioning the future – these steps guide every journey. Like C.W. Lonsdale, Shawnigan remains committed to expanding access for exceptional students. Legacy gifts ensure that this vision endures, strengthening the School’s sustainability while preserving its timeless traditions. These gifts support not only the opportunities of today but also the technologies, programs, and facilities of tomorrow for students yet to walk through our gates. By contributing to Shawnigan’s future, donors help shape a legacy that transcends generations, preparing the next wave of extraordinary leaders for challenges and opportunities we can only begin to imagine.
Continue the Shawnigan Journey Through Endowment Support and Legacy Gifts
The endowment is our financial aid engine: every dollar you give is invested in perpetuity, and the annual earnings flow back to the School – expanding the help we can offer to other students, year after year, so that the School can remain accessible, and no student is turned away simply for financial reasons.
We invite all who have been part of the Shawnigan Journey to help secure its future through legacy giving. Your gift will open doors for our diverse student body to embark upon their own journeys of discovery, achievement, and personal growth. Join fellow alumni and families in shaping Shawnigan’s future.
– Founder C.W. Lonsdale “
” Exceptional students are deserving of a Shawnigan education regardless of financial means.
Wendy Milne, Senior Master
“My parents instilled in me the importance of philanthropy and legacy as I was growing up, so when I wrote my first will, I included Shawnigan as one of my benefactors. I have seen first-hand the countless times that a donation left to Shawnigan, regardless of size, has had an impact on students. Whether to a scholarship fund, specific program, building project, or simply to the area of greatest need, legacy gifts have improved the student experience for generations of alumni. I am proud to be able to do my part now, and in the future.”
The Shawnigan Oak Society
Shawnigan’s story is one of vision, resilience, and growth, much like the mighty oak tree that stands atop the hill by Lake’s House, overlooking the Chapel. Planted by C.W. Lonsdale in the early 1930s from an acorn he brought from Sherwood Forest in England, this oak has flourished alongside Shawnigan for nearly 100 years.
Planting the Future:
The Founder’s acorn represents vision and commitment, just as every legacy gift shapes the Shawnigan of tomorrow.
The Shawnigan Oak Society honours those who, like C.W. Lonsdale, plant the seeds of the future. Through legacy giving, you ensure Shawnigan continues to thrive for generations to come.
Heritage and Growth:
The oak tree’s deep connection to the land reflects the heritage of Shawnigan, rooted in tradition, perseverance, and community.
Robert
Lasting Legacy:
Just as the oak provides shade for future generations, legacy donors create lasting impact through their generosity.
Sharman ’73 (Groves’)
“I support Shawnigan because of my hopes for tomorrow. Yes, I’m an ‘old boy,’ but it’s today’s Shawnigan that captures my imagination. The diversity. The qualities that Shawnigan instills and nurtures. The opportunity for impact that today’s Shawnigan graduates will have. My assistance helps create leverage for a better tomorrow.”
Legacy Donor Recognition
Members of the Shawnigan Oak Society are part of an esteemed group of visionaries investing in Shawnigan’s future. By becoming a member, you join a community whose contributions ensure that Shawnigan will continue to flourish. As a member, you will be honoured with:
• A letter and certificate upon joining
• A custom Shawnigan Oak Society lapel pin, symbolizing lasting impact
• Recognition on a donor board in the Main Building
• Invitations to an annual or biennial dinner with updates from the Head of School and Board Chair
• A special legacy-themed gift such as a limitededition print of the Lonsdale Oak, available only to society members
• A commemorative acorn will be planted on campus in your honour, becoming part of our future Legacy Grove
Jacqueline Flett ’97 (Groves’)
“As a student whose time at Shawnigan was made possible by generous donors, I found here a community that saw possibilities where my life circumstances saw limits. Including Shawnigan Lake School in my will is my way of paying that faith forward – so that the next student who wonders if they belong will know that they are worthy of investment.”
” Mighty oaks from little acorns grow – Geoffrey Chaucer, 1374
Benefits to Making Shawnigan Lake School a Beneficiary in Your Will:
You retain full control of your assets during your lifetime
Your legacy gift is fully revocable and can be adjusted at any time. Should your circumstances change, we kindly ask that you notify us of any amendments
Legacy Giving: Simple, Impactful, Lasting
A charitable tax receipt will be issued, potentially reducing estate taxes, which maximizes what you leave for loved ones while supporting Shawnigan
Leaving a legacy is one of the most meaningful ways to ensure the future of Shawnigan, and it’s easier than you think:
• Instruct your lawyer to add a clause in your new will or add a codicil to your existing will that establishes your legacy gift for the Shawnigan Lake School Foundation. Decide if you wish to give a percentage of your estate or a specific amount as a gift. Make sure the decision is right for you in consultation with your lawyer based on your overall estate plans.
• Provide your lawyer with our legal name and other details of your gift. For your reference, our legal name is the Shawnigan Lake School Foundation and our Charitable Registration Number is 889365243 RR0001.
• If you feel comfortable, please share your gift information with us – we would love to express our gratitude and understand your wishes. With your permission, we’ll also recognize your contribution among our legacy donors.
Ways to Give
Bequests: The simplest and most popular option. You can include Shawnigan in your will by specifying a percentage of your estate, a dollar amount, or the remainder after other bequests.
Life Insurance: By naming Shawnigan as a beneficiary, you can make a substantial impact through a modest premium payment.
Securities & Stocks: Donating publicly traded securities eliminates capital gains tax, maximizing the value of your gift.
RRSPs/RRIFs: A tax-efficient way to give. Naming Shawnigan as a beneficiary allows your gift to bypass probate (where applicable) and provides a charitable donation tax credit to your estate.
Endowed/Board-Designated Funds: Establish an endowed/board-designated fund in your name to create a perpetual legacy, supporting students and programs for generations.
Real Estate & Other Assets: Gifts of property, artwork, or valuable assets can make a lasting contribution while offering potential tax benefits.
*Before making a legacy gift, we recommend consulting with your legal advisor to ensure your gift aligns with your estate plan.
Join the Legacy
Just as one acorn traveled from Sherwood Forest to create a legacy here at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island, BC, your gift carries that legacy forward. Together, we plant the seeds for tomorrow’s leaders.
To explore how you can leave a legacy at Shawnigan, please contact: Owain Samuel ’09 Advancement Associate, Legacy Giving osamuel@shawnigan.ca 250-743-6235
shawnigan.ca/support/legacy-giving
