Aida Schwan-von Brasch and Axel Schwan have travelled the world. The German family moved to Canada in 2018 and vowed “never to move again,” says Aida, a certified life coach. Husband Axel is Tim Horton’s president for Canada and the U.S. 

In addition to her appreciation for the warm Canadian welcome the family received, Branksome Hall’s values sealed the deal as they researched independent schools for Amelie, who entered Grade 5 in September.
 
“Our gift is an investment in the school’s values,” says Aida. “We know that donations enhance the school experience and enable a new iHub, Athletics programming and other improvements and innovations. But in the end, a Branksome education is all about instilling the confidence and self-esteem to speak up and speak one’s mind, and have trust in one’s own abilities.” 

Already, Aida and Axel are thrilled to see how Amelie just dove in, participating in cross-country running and cheering on her teammates. The Noodle program, an unprecedented entrepreneurial offering, expanded to the Grades 5 and 6 level this year, was also a great draw. 

“Young girls have so many amazing opportunities at Branksome to find out what they're good at,” says Aida. But, ultimately, as a life coach herself, Aida knows it’s self-esteem and the ability to strike down limiting beliefs that will get tomorrow’s fledgling leaders to the top. 

Citing how closely her family’s values align with Branksome’s, Aida is clear she wants Amelie to have the skills and abilities to “think differently, challenge the status quo and change the world.”     

Her family’s first-time gift is a vote of trust in Branksome’s ability to do just that for Amelie, her fellow students and generations to come.