Inspiring Stories

Celebrating your philanthropy

Many of us are familiar with the expression ‘the people make the place’ and nowhere is this truer than at ROM. The Museum would not be a world-class cultural institution without the generous support of so many individuals, families and corporations. Here are just a few stories of ROM volunteers and donors who have gone above and beyond.     

 

Peggy Lau

You can never be too young to make a difference. That’s what Peggy Lau realized when she was still in her 20s and made a generous gift in her Will to the ROM – a gift that will continue to support learning and discovery at the Museum for many years to come.

“We have been proud supporters of this amazing museum in many different ways since Nita began volunteering here more than 25 years ago. Enabling the creation of a captivating yet educational book like Molly and the Mastodon holds a special place in our hearts, because it’s a charming way to connect children and their families to the ROM, and bring a piece of the Museum home. What a privilege to recognize our grandchildren, and what an ongoing joy to read this book with them.” Don Reed

Connie Swenson

As a long-serving member of the ROM Governors team, Connie Swenson played a significant role in helping countless donors to build legacies at the Royal Ontario Museum. Through her gift of life insurance, she is now creating a legacy of her own while helping to shape the future of the institution for generations to come.

Nancy Main. Photo courtesy of the ROM.

During her lifetime, Nancy Main believed in helping students to express themselves and discover their full potential. Today, her legacy continues thanks to a thoughtful planned gift supporting educational initiatives at the ROM.

Patricia Haug and her husband Kjell on their wedding day. Photo courtesy Haug Estate Trustee Molly Yeoman.

The late Patrica Haug, beloved ROM volunteer and former president of the Department of Museum Volunteers, was a lifelong champion of inspiring curiosity and creative thinking. Thanks to a gift in her will, the Museum will continue to share these gifts with visitors for years to come. 

Jane Liu

Jane Liu has a passion for Asian art and culture and strongly believes they should be shared with everyone. Through a carefully planned gift in her will, she has ensured the ROM will continue to grow and expand its collection in this area, delighting for generations to come.

Bayla Balaban

During her near-two decades as a ROM docent, Bayla Balaban has learned a great deal about Asian art, history and culture. Through her legacy gift, she hopes others are able to do the same.

Magid Girgis

We all have passions that fill our lives. Be it the arts, health care, education, poverty or the environment. We all have that internal need to give back to those institutions that drive our passions. Some will donate annual gifts towards the operation of these organizations. Others will volunteer their time and provide service. Some will promise future gifts and few will do it all.

Magid Girgis

We all have passionate causes we wish to support, but not everyone can afford to make a large outright gift in their lifetime. Find out how a gift of life insurance can allow you to make small payments today that add up to a significantly larger gift in the years to come.

Did you know that that you can direct your tax dollars to support the causes and values that are important to you? Discover how to your turn your taxes into voluntary philanthropy in this timely and insightful article from financial advisor, author and consultant Keith Thomson.