Priscilla’s Gift to Campfire Circle

For Priscilla Wright, music has been a constant thread woven throughout her life. Growing up with a father who was a choral director and music educator, she learned early on how music can bring people together. “My father could take a classroom of kids and, within 20 minutes, have them singing in four-part harmony,” she says.

That love of music shaped her own life. At 14 years old, Priscilla recorded an international hit, launching her into a whirlwind of performances, including appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Later, she enjoyed a second career as a performer before turning her energy toward philanthropy.

It’s no surprise that as chair of her family foundation, The Lillian Meighen and Don Wright Foundation, Priscilla chose to support Campfire Circle’s music program. “It fits beautifully,” she says. “We’re thrilled to give as much as we can to ensure kids have access to music. My father would have loved Campfire Circle.”

Recently, Priscilla visited our week-long Summer Day Camp in Toronto, where she saw the impact of her support firsthand. She was struck by the joy and energy – from the children laughing during lunch to the staff who, in her words, “are just meant to be doing what they’re doing.”

She was told a story of a camper who discovered his hidden musical talent at camp. He learned to play guitar and later returned as a counsellor to lead the very program that inspired him. “That shows the power of music right there,” says Priscilla.

Beyond talent, music offers children an escape, a way to heal, and a source of joy during difficult times. “Music takes you out of yourself,” Priscilla says. “For kids who are sick, it can bring its own joy.”

Back at day camp, the most powerful moment came when Priscilla was getting ready to leave: “Both groups of kids were singing camp songs, and I heard harmony. That’s a wonderful step forward – to not just sing the tune, but to harmonize. Harmony brings people close together.”

“We keep giving because we keep seeing the results,” she says. “Helping bring joy to these kids – there’s nothing more wonderful than that.”