Music Heals Canada
by
This morning a new non-profit organization launched in Vancouver with a focus on the therapeutic power of music. Music Heals will unite music therapy-related initiatives (such as the Music Therapy Ride) and support a wide range of music therapy services to communities across Canada.
“(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort-between demoralization and dignity.”— Barbara Crowe, past president of the National Association for Music Therapy.
The board of Music Heals is comprised of members of the former Shore 104FM radio station (who did the annual Music Saves video), those involved with the Music Therapy Ride, and Chris Brandt of Nimbus Recording. “By uniting [these initiatives] all under one umbrella we will be able to maintain a more consistent awareness of Music Therapy,” says Chris. “This is paramount because Music Therapy is not covered by the government. It is purely funded by donations.”
To bring awareness to this new venture, musician Neil Osborne (5440) and producer Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers) are going head to head in the organization’s first fundraising campaign.
Powered by their love of hockey, driven by their passion for music, the two have made a wager based on whose favourite NHL team makes the playoffs this year. The rules state: “If Richardson’s favourite hockey team does not make the playoffs this year, he will donate his producer fees to Music Heals. If Osborne’s favourite team does not win the 2012 playoffs, his royalties for the record will be donated to Music Heals. If both teams don’t measure up, they both donate.”
Music fans are invited to join the challenge by donating $1 to support Team Garth or Team Neil. All proceeds raised will go to support music therapy programs chosen by them.
Follow Music Heals on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about this organization, their initiatives, and their events.
