JAZZ.FM91’s Holiday Heroes program delivers over 120 instruments to schools across Toronto
By JAZZ.FM912026/08/31
Students and Faculty at Westview Centennial Secondary School
Credit:Phil Weber
More than 120 musical instruments, donated by JAZZ.FM91 listeners, have been delivered to schools across Toronto as part of JAZZ.FM91 Holiday Heroes Instrument Drive.
For the second year in a row, we partnered with The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement (CEBSA) at the Toronto District School Board who assisted with choosing the local schools in need. With the support of our delivery partner Firemen Movers, deliveries were made earlier this Spring to different schools across the city, including Downsview Secondary School, Westview Centennial Secondary School, North Kipling Junior Middle School and Willow Park Junior Public School.
“Music is a good way to translate emotions into something palpable that you can understand,” says Joshua, Firemen Movers Senior Crew Chief. “Music is important for your students because it’s one of the ways they can channel their creativity and express yourself.”
Students and Faculty from Willow Park Junior Public School pictured with Firemen MoversCredit: Phil WeberFiremen Movers unloading a delivery of donated instruments, thanks to JAZZ.FM91 listeners!Credit: Phil WeberFaculty from Willow Park sit down for an interview with JAZZ.FM91 Education and Outreach Officer Jelani WatsonCredit: Phil Weber
“Music gives the kids the opportunity to work together, build relationships, to create beauty and to teach them how to concentrate and focus and how to learn a skill,” says Westview Music Teacher Andre Soares, “I’m excited for these students to be able to continue and progress well using these instruments.
“Shout out to JAZZ.FM91 for considering our school, the TDSB has 500 schools so I know it wasn’t an easy task but we are appreciative of it,” expressed Saraya Elwin, Principal at Downsview Secondary School. “And thank you to all the donors, I’m not just advocating my school but for so many schools where our families are struggling. Having these musical instruments makes a great impact.”
The 13th edition of Holiday Heroes is brought to you in partnership with The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, Long & McQuade Musical Instruments and Firemen Movers, our delivery partner. Be on the lookout for the next edition launching later this fall.
Excited students at Downsview Secondary SchoolCredit: Phil WeberL to R: JAZZ.FM91 Volunteer Photographer Phil Weber, North Kipling Staff, Jelani Watson and Firemen Movers TeamCredit: Phil Weber
