Community, Friendly Rivalries, and Giving Day

If Shawnigan had a superpower, it wouldn’t be flying or teleportation (though both would

be handy on rainy mornings). It would be our community… and maybe a little friendly

rivalry.

 

Last year, we launched Shawnigan’s Giving Day for the first time, with no idea how our community would respond – and we were absolutely blown away by both the generosity

and the fierce competition displayed throughout the day. We raised almost $150,000

from 403 donors, with over half giving to Shawnigan for the very first time. With less

than two minutes left before midnight, we had a three-way tie for first place between

Lonsdale’s, Ripley’s, and Groves’, with Lonsdale’s sneaking ahead at the last moment to be

victorious.

 

On February 3, 2026, we’re doing it again! Shawnigan’s Giving Day is a chance for

alumni to dust off their House pride, for parents to jump into the excitement, and for

everyone to make an impact, one gift at a time. Because here’s the best part: every

single gift earns a point for the boarding house of your choice. That’s right – your

generosity isn’t just changing lives, it’s fueling the ultimate inter-House showdown.

 

Once again, for every donation that you make, you will be asked to allocate a point to a boarding house. The House with the most points at the end of the day – literally 11:59 p.m. on February 3 – will be crowned champion, and the current students will be treated to a special dinner.

 

This year, Giving Day supports three distinct funds at Shawnigan: the Head’s Fund, scholarships and financial aid, and House funds. The Head’s Fund is allocated at the Head of School’s discretion and provides unrestricted financial resources and the flexibility to respond to new challenges and emerging opportunities. Scholarships and bursaries support students who would improve Shawnigan by attending, but who lack the means to do so – 36 percent of Shawnigan students this year are receiving financial aid. And House funds support one of the defining parts of the Shawnigan experience, where bonds and lifelong friendships are forged – and the core of the Giving Day competition.

 

Shawnigan’s Giving Day proves that philanthropy can be fun, fast, and fiercely

competitive. It’s not just about raising funds – it’s about showing what happens when a

community comes together, laughs together, and yes… competes together.

 

Parents, this is your chance to be part of a pivotal moment in your child’s Shawnigan

journey. Alumni, here’s your shot to reclaim bragging rights and show your House spirit

still runs strong. Alumni, staff, parents, students, and friends – we’re all in it together,

and every contribution counts.

 

When Giving Day kicks off on February 3, you can find information about how to donate at give.shawnigan.ca

 

So pick your House, make your donation, and let the inter-House competition begin!