Life changing

Since an anonymous donor changed her life as a teenager, Victoria Marshman has vowed to pay it forward and help others

A donation changed Victoria Marshman’s life - now she pays it forward

Victoria Marshman was in deep trouble. At least that’s what the young dancer assumed when, at 15 years old, she was dismissed early from ballet class at Elite Danceworx Studio in Markham and called to its front office.

Having scrounged to keep up with the prestigious school’s tuition for months — taking on multiple afterschool jobs and volunteering long hours in exchange for her training — Marshman figured her bills had climbed to an insurmountable height.

“I really thought that might be the end of my dance training,” said Marshman, who was well on her way to a career in the craft. “Instead, the director handed me an envelope that changed the trajectory of my life.”

Inside that envelope, said Marshman, was a cheque displaying an amount she’d never dreamed of accompanied by a note with no signature. Now a business mogul and philanthropist, the 32-year-old remains wholly unaware of who wrote the words she read that day – words she still knows by heart.

“I get very emotional talking about it even now,” she said, explaining that she and her family were facing significant financial hardships at the time.

“It read, ‘Victoria, not only are you an incredibly gifted and talented dancer but you are kind and an inspiration to other young dancers in the studio. My hope is that you continue to dance, share your passion with the world and one day pay it forward.’”

Seventeen years on — pay it forward she has. The Scarborough native, who credits her purpose-driven life to that one singular act, has gone on to help raise more than $250,000 for Canadian charities via her business ventures.

“I have personally witnessed Victoria’s commitment to generosity in action,” said Josie doRego, a director of development at Covenant House, which serves youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk. “Most notably, through funds raised by Victoria’s organization City Moguls, we were able to establish a residential program for survivors of sex trafficking — the first of its kind in Ontario at the time.”

DoRego is quick to add that since meeting Marshman in 2017, she has been impressed by more than just her ability to rally her community and fundraise. Moreover, her strong conviction to dig deeper into the issues she supports, understand them from all angles and connect directly with the young people she is serving has caught the admiration of doRego and her colleagues.

“The young people we support have often faced difficult situations at a very young age,” she said. “When they are made aware that there are people around them like Victoria who care, it does a number of things for them — but most of all it tells them, ‘You are not alone.’”

Marshman says she recognizes this sentiment all too well, adding the anonymous act of giving bestowed on her as a youngster had an indelible effect on her self-image, making her recognize her own worth in the world and helping her feel truly seen.

“I remember, at the time, wondering why I was worthy of such a gift,” said Marshman. “Now I realize the importance of that moment for me. I realized that any act of giving — from something that large to just a smile or cup of coffee for a person who’s struggling — can genuinely change someone’s life.”

While Marshman’s career as a professional dancer has since come to an end, she said the anonymous donation she received at 15 years old afforded her a world of opportunity.

Among a list of artistic accomplishments, she has been a finalist on “So You Think You Can Dance Canada,” starred as the Sugarplum Fairy in a production of The Nutcracker and continues to teach and choreograph at dance studios across Toronto and the GTA.

Yet beyond those accomplishments, Marshman said she’s proudest now to be the catalyst for purpose-driven companies actively supporting the community that surrounds them.

Her current venture Mave & Chez, a luxury ergonomic slippers brand she co-founded with her business partner Dani Kagan, has recently paired with upcycling program Soles for Souls, which sees gently used shoes and slippers provided to those in need.

“If I could say one thing to the person who gave back to me in this way,” Marshman said, “I want you to know I’ve spent every day since trying to be a better person. That is directly because someone showed me kindness at a time when I really needed support.”

“It’s part of my identity now,” she said. “I’m so driven to do good and to be a leader for other young people to chase their dreams. So, I guess, whoever you are, I just want to say thank you.”