Allie Erdody comes from a family of educators. In fact, her mother, Diana Mackenzie Dunlap, taught Grade 6 at Branksome Hall in the 1970s. That’s why, along with husband Anton, she has supported the Opportunity Fund for three years.

“This Fund empowers teachers and staff to act quickly on ideas—and sometimes it’s the small things that can go a long way,” she says.

With Anna in Grade 1 and Emily in Junior Kindergarten, after-school dance club and the Grades 1 and 2 production of Cinderella are highlights on the family’s event calendar.   

“Our girls love ‘Club,’ as they call it, so we’re happy that the Opportunity Fund also contributes to extracurricular enhancements,” says Allie. 

“As the year unfolds, students’ interests and learning goals change and adjustments need to be made," says Anton. "No one knows this better than the faculty who work with them every day.”

They also realize not all school needs can be anticipated by annual budget.

“It’s great to have access to a more flexible funding stream,” Anton notes. “If we can make it easier to support kids’ immediate and unanticipated needs, then these dollars are well-spent.”