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.
Micropalaeontologist Francine McCarthy has studied our changing world for decades. She wants her legacy gift to help communicate the urgency of climate action and has entrusted ROM’s Climate Change Initiative with the task.
Remembered for her infectious energy and vibrant laugh, Vera Kircheis had a lifelong love of art and culture. Her remarkable spirit lives on through a family fund that will enable future generations to nurture similar passions at ROM.
An afternoon exploring a favourite gallery, a long lunch at the café, a stroll through Philosopher’s Walk – these are some of the things Swee Goh and his late wife, Lilian, enjoyed most about ROM. Upon retiring to Toronto, they lived across the street from the Museum and decided to get to know their new neighbour.
Philanthropist Red Wilson establishes the permanently endowed ROM Curatorship of Canadian Art and Culture
Ali Adil Khan and his wife Shehla have been collecting artworks depicting the Canadian wilderness and his South Asian heritage for over 30 years ago.
For savvy financial planners like Claude Tambu, the tax benefits of leaving a legacy gift at ROM are impossible to ignore. Add to that exclusive event invitations, behind-the-scenes access, relationships with ROM experts, and a community of like-minded supporters? The decision is easy!
Josephine Mary Breyfogle devoted over 35 years of service to ROM. By naming the Museum as a residual beneficiary in her estate plan, she ensured her legacy will last even longer.
An advocate of cultural philanthropy, Rob Pierce believes that institutions like ROM are critical parts of a flourishing cultural and economic ecosystem. Through almost 25 years of dedicated service and generous gifts to the Museum, including a bequest in his will, Rob is bolstering ROM’s impact on Toronto and Canada at large.
As an elementary school teacher, Thomas Charles Messecar Logan was an inspiration to his students. And thanks to a generous gift to ROM in his estate, he will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of the next generation of museumgoers.
A self-proclaimed “museum person,” Flavia Redelmeier was a steadfast supporter of ROM for eight incredible decades. Her passion for textiles, dedicated service and generous gifts leave a remarkable legacy.