Building something special
For Sander Grieve, K.C. and Tierney Read Grieve, supporting TFS has never been a one-time act. It’s a commitment based in history, gratitude and a belief in the power of learning.
Their connection to the school began decades ago, when Tierney, a member of the class of 1992, first walked the halls as a student. She would one day return as a parent, a donor and a proud alumna. Tierney's history of giving began 1998 at an alumni dinner, a gesture that would mark the start of more than 20 consecutive years of giving. Since then, their generosity and care have helped shape the TFS community they continue to hold dear.
Today, the Grieve Family has one child on campus, the youngest of their three to follow in the footsteps of his siblings and experience what Sander calls “an outstanding and formative education.” When it came time to choose a school for their children, he admits, the decision felt almost “preordained” by Tierney’s own experience at TFS. “All three of our children have gone through TFS,” he says. “The school, the teachers, the staff, the community and the commitment to a multilingual international perspective has been a really great experience for them. And for us as a family.”
Stewardship has always guided The Grieve Family's support of TFS — a commitment to ensure the school that inspired his family endures for generations to come. “Prior generations built a wonderful school,” he says. “We felt it was our turn to do what we could, to leave things better than when we found them.”
“My parents were active volunteers and donors for a variety of causes, including through terms of engagement with the service clubs of Rotary and the Junior League. That experience shaped our approach, to getting involved and in making a leadership gift to the TFS, but also in consistently making more than 20 smaller annual gifts over two decades. Collectively, those gifts became our largest contribution to any organization. My inheritance was always going to be the education my parents helped me pay for,” he continues. “It feels right to reinvest some of the fruits of that legacy in small and larger parts in the things we prioritize.”
Over the years, the Grieve Family has witnessed transformations at TFS that have dramatically improved facilities. From Tierney’s days when “there was no gym, and Phys Ed meant crossing the road to York in snow pants,” to today’s thriving campuses with new facilities and expansive fields. Each change tells a story of progress and pride for the family.
That sense of responsibility extends beyond financial support. Sander, a partner at Bennett Jones LLP, and Tierney, Managing Director at Turnpenney Milne LLP, have been grateful to be invited to participate in leadership and mentorship with the school community. Tierney has been a volunteer for the TFS Alumni Association. Sander has served as a Director for three years, and then Chair of the TFS Foundation Board, where he played a key role in advancing the Can’t Wait! Campaign and bringing the master plan for our campuses to life during its formative planning years. He currently sits on the TFS Board of Directors where he Chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee and they are both members of Société '62 Through Le Stage Career Internships, he has mentored countless students as they take their first steps in exploring professional life. “We benefited from those who came before us who did some really hard things,” he reflects. “It felt incumbent on us to do our part to help the community along.”
Their philanthropy has grown alongside their involvement. “As I met more families while serving on the Foundation Board, I was inspired by the remarkable people in our community. People making meaningful contributions to strengthen TFS and the city around us,” Sander says. “It reinforced for me the importance of giving back and made me think about how philanthropy could become part of our own family’s plan.”
“My parents were active volunteers and donors for a variety of causes, including through terms of engagement with the service clubs of Rotary and the Junior League. That experience shaped our approach, to getting involved and in making a leadership gift to the TFS, but also in consistently making more than 20 smaller annual gifts over two decades. Collectively, those gifts became our largest contribution to any organization. My inheritance was always going to be the education my parents helped me pay for,” he continues. “It feels right to reinvest some of the fruits of that legacy in small and larger parts in the things we prioritize.”
Seeing the culture of support grow has been especially meaningful to him. “I was thrilled when annual giving participation at TFS passed 50 per cent. These reasonable sized gifts at registration, show the power of how a large group determining to do a little more can demonstrate their collective believe in this school and its mission. We are going to owe a huge debt of gratitude to the lead donors, but by maximizing annual participation, everyone can give in line with their abilities. We are engaged with young families, many of whom are having their first outreach to participate in philanthropy. Annual giving is a way for them to take their first steps at their comfort level; hopefully as a gateway to greater involvement."
Over the years, the Grieve Family has witnessed transformations at TFS that have dramatically improved facilities. From Tierney’s days when “there was no gym, and Phys Ed meant crossing the road to York in snow pants,” to today’s thriving campuses with new facilities and expansive fields. Each change tells a story of progress and pride for the family.
“It’s exciting,” says Sander. “We can see how amazing TFS has become. The changes are dramatic and we can always be aspiring to do that much better. We’re really building something special.”
Their faith in the Can’t Wait! Campaign, the quality of the bilingual and global education and the sense of community they’ve found at TFS all reinforce why giving feels so natural. “It’s an awesome school,” Sander says simply. “Our children have had excellent experiences, and we’ve made lifelong friends. TFS is an important part of our home.”
Giving is more than a tradition, it’s a way of staying connected, shaping the future and ensuring that tomorrow’s students can experience the same opportunities and sense of belonging that have defined their own family’s journey. Their story is a testament to the lasting power of community, loyalty and education—and the impact that one family’s commitment can have on a school for generations to come.
