Branksome Hall is more than a school in Sarah HOWCROFT’03’s memory; it’s a place she still walks through often, in her mind. Now a Director and Senior Economist at BMO Capital Markets, Sarah frequently finds herself mentally retracing the hallways of her youth, reflecting on the influential teachers and enriching experiences that shaped who she is today. Even though she graduated during the “double cohort” year, a unique moment when two graduating classes came together after Ontario eliminated Grade 13 in 2003, she remembers it as a remarkably welcoming period that forged the lifelong friendships she still cherishes.

That deep, personal connection is exactly why Sarah chose to support the Opportunity Fund through a recurring monthly gift. By giving in this way, she can make a more significant contribution over time, one that helps ensure Branksome remains “as good as it can be, forever.” For Sarah, monthly giving is both a meaningful way to stay connected to the school’s future and a practical, dependable source of support that provides Branksome with reliable funding year after year.

"I appreciate that funds can be oversubscribed in other ways,” Sarah explains, noting that she trusts the school’s leadership and staff to direct her support to where it is needed most at any given time.

Sarah’s ties to the campus have also evolved into a family affair. Though her son won’t attend the school, Branksome has become part of her family’s day-to-day life through weekend swimming and community camps. Seeing the school open its state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programming to the wider community reinforces her desire to give back.

When Sarah reads about her fellow alums, she is constantly inspired by the impact they’ve made in their professions, which she attributes to the school’s blend of academic rigour and essential "soft skills" like teamwork and problem-solving.

By giving monthly, Sarah is helping to ensure those same opportunities exist for the next generation of girls, one steady contribution at a time: "It's about making sure the place I still revisit in my mind so fondly continues to grow and thrive.”

Every gift matters, regardless of size or frequency. Learn more about the Opportunity Fund and how monthly giving creates a lasting impact.