A: The Annual Fund is an annual giving opportunity for the St. Thomas Aquinas community to unite together to express its gratitude for those who have given before us, and for us to pay that generosity forward for the next generation of students. This involves our current parents and students, Alumni, parishes and extended family.

In 2020, with a rich 60-year tradition of Catholic education on the North Shore, we launch our Annual Giving Fund so that all members of our community can integrate their giving and gratitude to enable our students to understand the nature of stewardship and being grateful to those who have contributed to their education. And to provide continual enhancements to their learning opportunities.

A: Tuition and government funding alone do not cover the actual costs of the high quality education students receive at STA. Gifts to the Annual Fund shape the future of STA by providing funds for projects, equipment and learning enhancements.

A: This is a very good question. By giving monthly or through a one-time yearly donation, your gift allows the STA Administration and teachers to plan ahead and make long-term improvements for our students and their families. Since the Fund is perpetual, it gives us the opportunity to support our students from one generation to another.

The Annual Giving Fund gives members of the STA community, regardless of the size and ability, the opportunity to participate and become members of the Annual Fund.

Your gift has an impact on every STA student in many ways. Most importantly, it gives the students at STA an opportunity to explore gratitude, and the understanding of the cost and support of Catholic education.Your gift also helps to provide opportunities for the STA student body to learn and achieve in an environment that has state of the art technology, and extra- curricular opportunities to explore our world in science, arts, academics and sports.

A: Every gift, regardless of size, matters. Your gift, combined with others, becomes very significant to STA. What is important in giving is the intent and the opportunity for the students at STA to understand that gratitude is just as important as giving. Every gift gives the students an opportunity to connect with the community that supports them beyond their parents.

A: Yes. All gifts to STA will be receipted for income tax purposes. Charitable tax receipts are issued upon receipt of your cheque. Gifts made by credit card or pre-authorized bank payments are receipted annually.

A: Many Canadian companies will match donations their employees make to registered charities and community organizations. Ask your human resources or personnel department if they participate, and if there is a form to complete. You can complete your portion, then email it to us at development@aquinas.org. STA will complete its portion of the form – and send it back to your company, which will make the match.

In addition, you can delegate your giving during the United Way campaign specifically to the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA). If you choose this option, in addition to selecting CISVA as the registered charity, you will need to type on the UW form for your donation to be directed to STA. STA does not have its own Registered Charity number, but CISVA does. If you choose this option, please take a print screen of your online donation and email it to us at development@aquinas.org.

A: Throughout the year, donors at all levels will receive invitations to exclusive events, Giving Newsletter updates, customized Giving t-shirts, VIP seating, naming opportunities and more, depending on your giving level. Donors who give at the Partner level or higher will be listed in a new Annual Report or in the Graduation Booklet.

A: STA’s fundraising initiatives for each year are as follows:

• Annual Fund
• Craft Fair
• Campus Ministry’s International Night

A: Please make cheques payable to St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School.

A: Please contact the STA Advancement Office (Sandie Atkinson) at 604 987 4431 ext. 3044 or satkinson@aquinas.org for any or all of the following:

• Updating of records including: a change in address or providing your email address and phone number
• Revisions to your pledge
• Establishment of a bursary or scholarship