Respect. Enthusiasm. Altruism. Commitment. Honesty. The REACH principles are the core principles that guide the way CA students interact with each other and the world. Anna Dawson (’19), has stayed connected to the school even after graduation and is actively living the principle of altruism. This spring, Anna reached out to her former Physical Education Teacher Tracy Sullivan with a generous offer: she wanted to donate her extra cross-country ski equipment to the CA program, rather than selling it.

“I have a love for cross country skiing and want to share it with others. I wanted to give back to the place that gave so much to me in terms of skills, opportunities, and friendship,” said Anna.

Now in her third year at the University of Toronto completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, Anna knows from experience and from her studies the mental benefits of getting outdoors and moving.

As someone who had participated in CA’s Outdoor Education Cross Country Skiing program in Grade 10, Anna benefitted from exploring CA’s aspen forests, and snow-covered fields and parks around the city. She hopes the equipment will bring students together to share some laughs during the pandemic. For her, getting outside allows her to think more clearly and with the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions she believes this will be the perfect activity for students and staff alike.

“Knowing Anna, she likely thought it was ‘no big deal’ but her donation of cross-country skis to the school actually set off a plan to get more of our students trying something new this season,” said Tracy Sullivan, Head of Physical Education.

When asked what prompted her to think of the school she attended from Grades 4-12 Anna says, “I was part of the community for so long as a student that now as an adult I want to help others receive the benefits that helped me achieve my goals. I also want to stay connected and bring value to the community and be a voice for what CA did for me and what it can do for others.”

“Anna has always had a heart of gold, and her kindness has a much bigger impact than she knows. I think it is very special that she thought of her school when looking to rehome something so valuable. We appreciate her donation so much and will use it for years to come,” said Tracy.

Thank you, Anna, for living the REACH principles and supporting our students!