A Barrie charity received funding for its music program - making its heart glow brighter.
The MusiCounts TD Community Music Program awarded $6,000 to Glowing Hearts Charity, a grassroots organization in Simcoe County working to disrupt the cycle of poverty by empowering children and youth to realize their full potential.
Sarah Fleming, Glowing Hearts Charity Board Chair, says they are very fortunate and the money will go to good use, as their music program just started in the fall.
"We know all of the benefits of a music program," Fleming told Barrie 360. "But there are barriers like the cost of instruction, cost of instruments, and transportation."
Fleming says the assortment of instruments includes ukuleles and percussion kits, as well as guitars and a piano which are on the way - she also noted that they are working to supplement and purchase more instruments down the road.
The first program they initiated was a beginner ukulele program where 25 children we able to participate. They used it as a trial to see what will and won't work best for the population they serve.
She says the charity works with community partners across Simcoe County and is gradually expanding its offerings. Two organizations, in particular, are the Barrie Native Friendship Centre and the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre.
"They have told us how important it is to have these opportunities to get kids out of their homes and connected," said Fleming. "It means so much to be able to do this."
"Our programs are all geared toward enabling children and youth in low-income households to access resources and opportunities that would otherwise have barriers because of finances."
And add another thing making their heart glow brighter - they recently won the Not-For-Profit or Charitable Organization Award at the 2022 Barrie Business Awards.
For more information about Glowing Hearts Charity, visit their website.
Listen to the full chat with Sarah Fleming on our latest podcast episode
Banner image via Glowing Hearts Charity
