Anonymous donor gives $100K to local school

Nov 30, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Santa came early with a very big gift for a local school.

A donation of $100,000, right out of the blue, is going the way of Birch Hills Public School.

The anonymous donor, who is a former student, phoned the school a few weeks ago.

“As the conversation carried on over the weeks we ended up meeting in person and the individual cut us a cheque for $100,000,” Principal Jeff Court told paNOW. “ It was just astonishing.”

The Sask Rivers Public School Division said while alumni frequently donate to post-secondary institutions it was rare for a donor to give to their former grade school.

Court said what really impressed him was the donation came without strings attached. 

“That was probably the most incredible part of this, that he trusted us to make an impact on kids’ lives with the funds he donated,” Court said.

Court added the donor expressed hope his large donation will encourage other alumni to come forward and remember the contribution their public school experience had on their lives.

In the meantime Court said there is lots to talk on where the fund could be spent.

“We’ve reached out to our kids, our staff and our parent council is also aware. We’re tossing around a few ideas which are in the preliminary stage but nothing concrete yet,” he said.

The school division said perhaps the best way to thank the anonymous donor was by ensuring the gift is well-used to support students.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow