GCVI Chamber Choir raises funds for Shriners Hospital for Children
June 28, 2019
GUELPH, Ontario – This year, Guelph CVI’s Chamber Choir has dedicated much of their times to fundraising for Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada.
The inspiration for their charitable efforts came from a very musical place.
Last year, the choir was invited to perform with international rock band Foreigner, performing their hit “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The band generously donated $500 to the school’s music program for their performance.
The students were inspired and wanted to “pay it forward” somehow. Students suggested the choir raise money for Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal (via Shriners Guelph), following the lead of Foreigner who has supported Shriners Hospitals for Children for many years.
The Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal provides “orthopaedic specialty care for complex or chronic disorders, such as osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), severe spinal and limb anomalies, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Children from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world have benefited from the Canada Shriners Hospital’s groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, both in Montreal and in their own communities.”
This year, the school band has raised money for Shriners Hospital through community concerts and donations, taking the money that would have gone back into the music program and putting it toward their donation goal. Guelph’s Shriners Chapter and member Frank Douglas have been immensely supportive of the GCVI youth throughout the fundraising process.
On June 27, the choir held a charity car wash at the school with all proceeds going to the fundraising effort.
The band has also set up a GoFundMe page, so interested community members can contribute to the cause: https://www.gofundme.com/gcvi-choir-sings-with-foreigner-for-shriners
To add to the excitement, the choir is thrilled that Foreigner has invited them back to sing “I Want to Know What Love Is” at their Sept. 3, 3019, concert in Kitchener.
The band said that they were touched the students wanted to fundraise for a cause that means so much to them. “We are thrilled that the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute choir will not only be singing ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ with the band on September 3 in Kitchener, but also that they are going to fundraise for a cause that is near and dear to our hearts…This amazing fundraising plan was the choir’s idea and we are very thankful to them for their efforts and enthusiasm. We welcome the choir members and choir director Lane Osborne with open arms!”
Well done GCVI!