An anonymous donor has gifted $100,000 to support middle school music programs in the Greater Victoria School District. The donor was inspired by the actions taken by three students from Mount Douglas Secondary who began a fundraiser to support middle school music after attending the district's March 30 public budget meeting.
"Thank you to the SD61 students who have been so engaged throughout the budget process, especially the students from Mount Douglas Secondary who have channeled their engagement into action," says Sherri Bell, Official Trustee. "Their leadership has inspired our community and we are grateful for their efforts."
The three students, Mudita Shikhare, Jeff Zhang, and Zak Kyriacou, raised $31,050 in less than seven days to support staffing for middle school music programs for the 2026-2027 school year.
The additional support of $100,000 is from the NRS Foundation, a donor advised fund held at the Victoria Foundation.
"Thank you to the generous anonymous donor for supporting our school district during a time when districts across the province are having to make big budget decisions," says Sherri Bell, Official Trustee. "One of the reasons why our middle school music programs has been considered a gem is because we have consistently supported it with over $1 million every year. In order to create a sustainable model moving forward, there will need to be conversations about how we can support such a beneficial program while ensuring it doesn't continue to be a topic regarding reductions during the budget process each year."
For more information
556 Boleskine Road
Victoria British Columbia
Canada V8Z 1E8
www.sd61.bc.ca
