This week, we hosted a truly inspiring event at the Rotary Club of Vancouver, honouring Sarah McLachlan not only for her extraordinary musical career, but for her long-standing commitment to youth, community, and access to the arts.

Sarah spoke candidly about the origins of Lilith Fair—how it began as a simple desire to tour with other women in a male-dominated industry and grew into the top-grossing tour of 1997 and 1998. What struck me most was how much resistance she faced for doing something that now seems so obviously positive: putting women artists together on the same bill, and insisting that celebrating women did not mean excluding or “hating” men.

That same spirit of courage, inclusion, and community-building now lives on through the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which provides free, high-quality music education to over 2,000 students every year across three campuses. The focus is on young people who face financial, social, or emotional barriers—students who might otherwise never have access to this kind of opportunity.

The school goes far beyond music lessons:

• Food is provided because hungry kids can’t learn.
• Transportation is arranged for elementary students to remove access barriers.
• A safe, nurturing environment is created where students are encouraged to show up exactly as they are, to be seen, heard, and valued.
• Students are treated as co-creators in the program, having a real voice in what and how they learn, which builds agency and confidence.

Sarah also spoke about the less glamorous side of impact work:

• The ongoing challenge of fundraising and managing donor expectations.
• Her personal commitment to covering all administrative costs, so every dollar donated goes directly to the students.
• The importance of operational sustainability, including building an endowment so that this work continues for decades to come, not just year-to-year.

One of the most powerful moments came from hearing the story of Nirvana, a School of Music alumn who started in grade 3 and stayed through graduation. She spoke openly about struggling with confidence and belonging, and how the school became a true “home” where she could be authentically herself. Today, she is a working musician and a third-year psychology student at UBC, and she continues to give back by performing at events like this. Her performance made it abundantly clear what this program makes possible in a young person’s life.

In recognition of Sarah’s outstanding philanthropy, dedication to youth, and the profound impact of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, the Rotary Club of Vancouver presented her with a Paul Harris Fellow recognition, one of Rotary’s highest honors. The Rotary Club of Vancouver Foundation also proudly announced a donation of $10,000 in support of the school’s mission, reinforcing our shared belief that investing in people—especially young people—is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our communities.

The event concluded, fittingly, with a Rotary toast:

"To music, to philanthropy, and to making a positive difference."

Members and guests left feeling deeply reminded of what can happen when art, purpose, and community service come together:

• Barriers are lowered.
• Voices are amplified.
• New futures become possible for young people who simply needed someone to believe in them.

Everyone felt proud to be part of a community that doesn’t just talk about change, but actively creates spaces, opportunities, and support systems so that change can take root and grow. Thank you to all who came to support this fantastic event!