A bursary has been established in the name of a local teen who died last summer.
It was recently announced that Nelson’s Gift — named in memory of Nelson Bell — has been set up after $13,826.41 was raised. The fund is being administered through the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area, under the direction of the Orillia Youth Centre.
Bell was an aspiring rapper when he died in a car crash last July at the age of 16. Numerous fundraisers have taken place since then in an effort to create the bursary and a recording studio in Bell’s name.
“The family wanted to do the studio, but they also asked me about setting up a bursary or fund,” said Kevin Gangloff, director of the Orillia Youth Centre.
The $13,000-plus is the seed money for the fund. It will allow the Community Foundation to grant a bursary every year. The more money that is donated to the fund, the more the bursaries will be worth.
“So, essentially, Nelson will be giving back to others in our community forever,” Gangloff said.
While details are still being worked out, the funds will be used to support youth on the autism spectrum. (Bell had Asperger’s syndrome.)
The first bursary is expected to be granted next year.
Gangloff also announced the Valis Sound Studio — Valis was Bell’s stage name — will launch in late September.
“This will be nice for (the family) to see the studio in operation,” Gangloff said.
Instruments and other equipment have been acquired, which will allow youth to record music for free at the youth centre. Eventually, a proper studio space will be created.
The money was raised through fundraisers, grants and donations from businesses and individuals.
“Our community is so supportive and generous. It’s incredible,” Gangloff said. “That kind of grassroots community support is awesome.”
Watch for updates on the Valis705Forever Facebook page.
