Bob Egan, Film and Music Officer, City of Kitchener came together with Rick Endrulat and Cynthia Sundberg from Virtual Causeway and St. David's Students and Staff to generously donate eight guitars along with funding for lessons to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services music therapy program at Grand River Hospital. Their support will impact children and youth receiving both inpatient and outpatient mental health services by allowing more individuals to access music therapy and, in turn, enhancing the care they receive. 

“If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s how essential music is to wellness,” said Bob Egan, Film and Music Officer, City of Kitchener.

Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) use music purposefully within therapeutic relationships to support patients’ development, health and well-being. For children and adolescents who need mental health care, music therapy can help them explore their feelings, connect with others and give them a positive outlet to express themselves.

“Music therapy allows youth accessing mental health services at Grand River Hospital to connect with wellness and find hope,” said Kathleen Skinner, Music Therapist, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. “This donation, and others like it, provide invaluable resources to maintain and grow our music therapy program. We are able to increase access to instruments and other resources both within and outside of sessions, ultimately increasing the quality of care.”