Our Impact in Numbers


Music therapy hours
funded in 2024
0+
Music therapy programs
funded in 2024
0
Number of donations
received in 2024
0
Number of unique
donors in 2024
0
Total funding
distributed for 2025
$0
Total funds distributed to music
therapy programs since 2012
$0M
Total hours of music therapy
funded since 2012
0+
Total programs funded
since 2012
0+

2024 Program Demographics

Programs funded in 2024 included support for the following demographics

At-Risk Children & Youth

40%

LGBTQIA2S

78%

People with Disabilities

91%

People of Colour

89%

Senior

54%

Indigenous Peoples

83%

Newcomers to Canada

57%

People without Housing

57%

Rural Populations & Northern Communities

40%

Sex Workers

24%

A Message from Board President, David Barnett


Our mission at Music Heals is to help spread awareness and raise funds for the power that music plays on our mental, physical, and spiritual health. We know that music helps us with our psychological, emotional, and social needs by helping us work through whatever we are going through.

As we continue to provide a huge need in our community, funding facilities that believe in the power of music as medicine, we continue to see a growing need for Music Therapy programs throughout the lower mainland and across the province.

The medicine is really in the music. And more than ever we need that medicine.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our cause,
David Barnett

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A Message from Executive Director, Juliana Fraser


Through the support of our generous donors and sponsors, we provided funding to 37 music therapy programs across British Columbia in 2024. I have had the privilege of touring some of these facilities over the past year and I can tell you first-hand, we are making a difference in the lives of people of all ages benefitting from music therapy. Music is truly changing lives!

From people undergoing cancer treatment, using music therapy to provide them with a calming resource to process their fears and trauma, to at-risk children on the Downtown Eastside having access to music therapy to support the development of language and social skills to prepare them for kindergarten, music is being used as a tool for healing.

I am honoured to share some of these stories with you here in our 2024 Annual Report. The power of music is seen every day in the lives of people of all ages who are benefitting from music therapy and I look forward to continuing to share their stories with you.

Sincerely,
Juliana Fraser

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Changing Lives Through Music


Music Heals Charitable Foundation believes in the healing power of music. We provide crucial funding to music therapy programs across BC giving the gift of music to those who need it most.

BC Cancer Foundation
Cancer treatment and therapies for cancer patients throughout BC

Funded Facilities 2024

See below for some incredible stories of the Impact of Music Therapy from a number of these programs & facilities


BC Cancer Foundation
Cancer treatment and therapies for cancer patients throughout BC

BC Children's Hospital
Children undergoing treatment and surgeries

BC Women's Heartwood
Integrated substance abuse and mental health for women 19+

BC Women's NICU
Premature infants and their caretakers

Broadway Lodge
Seniors, Long Term Care

Canuck Place Children's Hospice
Terminally ill children and their families

Charlford House
Women overcoming abuse and substance abuse

Coast Mental Health
Community-based services for people with mental illness from 19-78 years old

Columbia View Lodge & Poplar Ridge Pavilion
Seniors, Long Term Care

Dr. Peter AIDS Centre
Care for people with HIV

Kelowna General Hospital - Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Unit
Adult psychiatric program

Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School
Alternative education for school-aged children

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society
Programs for children/youth with Down Syndrome / Autism

Louis Brier Home & Hospital
Seniors, Long Term Care

Lumara Grief & Bereavement Society
Grief and Bereavement services for families

North Shore Stroke Recovery Society
Services for Stroke Survivors

Pacific Autism Family Centre
Services for families of children/youth with Autism

PALS Autism School
Special education school for students with autism and related disorders, from kindergarten to grade 12

PASS Adult Services Society
Services for Adults with Autism

Phoenix Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society
Services for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and substance abuse

Rhythm & Word Music Therapy at Mountainside Secondary School
Alternative education for school-aged children

Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living
Services for people with disabilities and families

Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
A home away from home for all families facing the medical crisis of a child.

Royal Oak Alternate School
Alternative education for school-aged children

Salmon Arm Secondary School
Bandwagon project for middle school youth with Autism and/or other developmental challenges

St James Music Academy
Programs for children in DTES

St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care
Palliative / hospice care

Strive Living Society
Programs for adults with developmental delays and disabilities

Surrey Memorial Hospital - NICU
Premature infants and their caretakers

Uniti 4 All - Semiahmoo House
Services for people with disabilities and families

Vancouver General Hospital - BTHAU
Burn victims

Vancouver Hospice Society
Hospice/end-of-life care

Victoria Brain Injury Society
Brain injury survivors

Victoria Hospice Society
End-of-life Care

Westminster House Society
Addiction recovery and treatment programs for youth girls and women healing from addiction

WISH Drop-In
Improving the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver's street-based sex trade

YMCA BC
Programs for children in the DTES

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  • To donate to music heals, including a dedicated donation to one of the programs above, click here to Make a Donation

For more information of any of the programs or demographics supported through donations to Music Heals, reach out to us at info@musicheals.ca

Facility Impact Stories 2024


BC WOMEN'S HEARTWOOD


Music therapy program as part of integrated substance abuse and mental health treatment for women 19+

  • Music Heals funding provided 9 hours per week of music therapy for 12 months, providing approximately 160+ client sessions.

Heartwood continues to provide treatment to women from across the province who have mental health and substance use concerns and require specialized care. Many have experienced gender-based violence, trauma, socio-economic marginalization and homelessness as well as the ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous clients. Approximately 60% of Heartwood clients are mothers/parents and 15% are pregnant at the time of treatment. An additional 40% of Heartwood clients identify as Indigenous.

NORTH SHORE STROKE RECOVERY CENTRE


Music therapy program for survivors of stroke

  • Through funding support from Music Heals, 40 survivors of stroke are able to participate in weekly music therapy sessions

“I have seen firsthand how our members come out of their shells and transform during Music Therapy. Members who have communication challenges can sometimes recall lyrics to their favourite songs and share with contagious enthusiasm.”

- Alex Beyer, Operations Manager

YMCA


Music therapy program for at-risk children aged 3 months to 6 years living in or near the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver

  • With support from Music Heals, 225 music therapy sessions were provided to 118 children across 4 childcare centres in 2024.

YMCA childcare centres serve a diverse population of low-income BIPOC families, many of whom face significant challenges such as homelessness and food insecurity.


BC Children’s Hospital

Music therapy for children and youth throughout BC and the Yukon

  • Music Heals funding in 2024 supported one day a week of music therapy for 10 months, providing 260 kids, teens and families access to the healing power of music.

One of the first things Nova wanted to do when she was able to leave her bed was play the piano. “At the time, she couldn’t quite sit up, and she was using a wheelchair that allowed her to lean back,” said Janelle. “She was so tired, so quiet, but then she went into the music room, straight to the piano, and just started playing.”

BC WOMEN'S NICU

BC Women's NICU is the largest NICU in the province caring for approximately 1,200 of the most critically ill infants and families from across BC and the Yukon

  • With funding from Music Heals the NICU music therapy program was able to provide a 1 full day of music therapy for 10 months, offering approximately 250 sessions for 140 individual at-risk infants and their families.

"Music therapy made us aware of the developmental potential of our baby while in the NICU.⁠"⁠

At 26 weeks, baby Leandro was born into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at BC Women’s Hospital. While he was in the incubator, his parents Carolina and Rishi said they “didn’t even know what was happening.” Music has always played a very important role in the life of this family. When introduced to the NICU music therapist, Carol, it seemed like the perfect fit.⁠

Broadway Lodge

Music Therapy program for long-term care residents from a variety of cultural backgrounds, including seniors diagnosed with dementia as well as people facing other physical or mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, stroke, Parkinson’s etc.

  • Music Heals funding provided 192 music therapy sessions for 75 residents in 2024.

The Music Therapy Program at Broadway Lodge is open to all of the 108 residents. Residents can freely participate in group or individual music therapy sessions here at the Lodge. These music therapy sessions seek to build human connection and cultivate self-expression. This year’s continued success has been bolstered by the support from Music Heals, enabling us to provide unwavering music therapy service to our cherished residents.

Coast Mental Health

Community-based music therapy program for people with mental illness from 19-78 years old

  • Through funding from Music Heals, the music therapy program reached 98 clients across 14 different Coast Mental Health housing sites in 2024

The enhanced availability of music therapy sessions allowed us to cater to a broader range of clients with diverse needs. We continued offering a mix of group and one-on-one sessions, with activities tailored to the unique emotional, social, and cognitive goals of each client. The expansion also allowed us to introduce new areas of care and refine our approach, ensuring we could address the evolving challenges our clients face. In terms of programming, we provided a wide variety of therapeutic interventions designed to foster emotional expression, social connection, and self-empowerment through music.

Kelowna General Hospital - McNair Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Music therapy for adults with complex mental health diagnoses

  • With Music Heals funding in 2024, music therapy was provided to 165 clients

“Kayla [Music Therapist] is a beautifully talented kind soul. Her music program and her sincere wholehearted way of sharing the healing effects of music was a huge blessing and a vital part of my recovery. We shared, and broke down some of my favorite songs and went deep into the lyrics and put real heartfelt feelings into them. Made the music come alive and able to relate to. I looked forward to every session and believe music therapy is and was vital to the progress I made. Music has the potential to change lives!” - Music Therapy Client

Louis Brier Home and Hospital

Music therapy program serving residents ranging in age from 49 to 105 with diverse needs, including those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.

  • With funding support from Music Heals, a full-time music therapist sees an average of 130 residents weekly

“I’ve never seen Mrs. L socialize and connect in such a deep level. The music allowed her to really express herself” – Music Therapist

Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society

Music therapy services for children, youth, and adults who are coping with serious illness, loss, and grief

  • 165 music therapy sessions were provided as a result of Music Heals funding in 2024

Participants in the music therapy programs regularly describe an enhanced sense of overall coping and personal well-being as well as an improved sense of connection and communication within their family. They also consistently report a decreased sense of isolation in their grief and a stronger sense of community and belonging.

At Lumara’s bereavement retreat for families - Camp Kerry – music therapy is one of the ways children and families create positive memories and learn ways to cope with grief.

Surrey Memorial NICU

Music therapy for premature and term infants and their caregivers

  • With support from Music Heals, Surrey Memorial Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provided two days a week of music therapy in 2024 totalling 440 sessions for 145 patients.

“It helped my mental health as a new mom of twins and created a safe and comforting environment to be in. It gave me reassurance knowing if I was having an off day that Music Therapy is there to help with my emotions.”

Victoria Brain Injury Society

Music therapy program for brain injury survivors and their families

  • With funding support from Music Heals, 37 clients attended a total of 405 music therapy sessions in 2024

“Music Therapy has been a lifeline for me. After my injury, I felt like I had lost a part of myself, but through these sessions, I’ve been able to reconnect with my love for music and regain some of the abilities I thought were gone forever. It’s not just about playing the guitar again; it’s about finding hope and joy in the process. I’m so grateful for this program and the amazing support I’ve received.”

Victoria Hospice

Music therapy program to enhance the quality of life for people facing life-limiting illness, death and bereavement

  • With support from Music Heals, Victoria Hospice provided 134 music therapy sessions in 2024 for 54 clients and their families

“Music therapy played a role in increasing readiness to address his death, through working with metaphors and imagery in the music. Music therapy also proved very effective in reducing his physical pain and he would report “the music is magic” and “the music fixes everything”.

St. Paul’s Palliative Care

Music therapy program for people nearing end-of-life

  • Funding support from Music Heals provided 425+ music therapy sessions to over 200 patients in palliative care in 2024

“With his family by his side and music filling the room, music therapy transported Grant to a world where he could smile and laugh, free from the difficult decisions he knew awaited him.”

Saint James Music Academy

Music therapy program supporting at-risk children living in or near Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

  • Through support from Music Heals, 41 kids ages 6-18 participated in music therapy in 2024.

“My mom and dad are proud of me, and you [the music therapist] are proud of me…and I am proud of me!”

PALS Adult Services Society (PASS)

Music therapy program for adults aged 19-45 with autism and other neuro-developmental disabilities

  • In 2024, with the support of Music Heals funding, the music therapy program evolved to include a more individualized and responsive participant-centred approach to focus on tailoring musical interventions to the unique needs of each participant.

The programming shift for 2024 allowed the Music Therapist to conduct detailed individual assessments and create highly personalized care plans, addressing specific life skills, emotional regulation, and communication challenges. By moving even further away from a one-size-fits-all model, they were able to better meet the diverse needs of their clients, particularly those who required additional support outside of group settings. The new focus on one-on-one sessions also created opportunities for deeper therapeutic connections and more effective outcomes.

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Let Her Sing 2024


Together we raised over $120,000 for music therapy programs for women


Our 4th annual fundraising luncheon held Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the week of International Women’s Day was a remarkable success in raising vital funds for music therapy programs supporting women’s mental health, addiction recovery, and women working in the street-based sex trade on the DTES.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors, event partners, gift bag donors, shopping vendors and guests who joined us in making the afternoon so memorable.



38th Annual ZLC Foundation Charity Golf Tournament


Thank you ZLC Foundation for raising $70,000 for Music Heals!


A huge thank you to ZLC Foundation for choosing Music Heals as the beneficiary of the 38th Annual ZLC Foundation Charity Golf Tournament held on July 8, 2024, at Richmond Country Club.

We had a fantastic day and want to extend our deepest gratitude to the team at ZLC, the golfers, the donors as well as the event partners who helped to make this event possible.

It was an incredible day of golf, music and sunshine all in support of raising funds and awareness for music therapy across BC.


A Benefit for Music Heals 2024


An unforgettable evening celebrating the power of music, and raising over $450,000 for music therapy programs in 2025


Our annual gala, A Benefit for Music Heals held on Thursday, October 17, 2024, was once again a remarkable success in raising crucial funds to support the therapeutic use of music in physical and mental health practices across British Columbia.

This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors, table hosts, event partners, generous donors, and guests who joined us in making the evening spectacular. To all of you, we extend a massive thank you!



#GivingTuesday 2024


One Note at a Time. One Post at a Time. One Donation at a Time. Together, you helped us to change lives through music!


GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

Click to watch this special version of Stand By Me recorded by some incredibly talented artists for our GivingTuesday campaign. The video has been viewed over 6000 times! Thank you for coming together to share the power of music!


Community Fundraisers in 2024

Fundraising initiatives hosted by amazing supporters of Music Heals

SEASKY EVENTS 80'S BIG FUN RUN

$350 in donations to Music Heals

KITCHEN TABLE RESTAURANTS

$1560 in donations to Music Heals

AMELIA'S 10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

$450 in donations to Music Heals

CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY LLOYD KENNEDY

$800 in donations to Music Heals

ST. GEORGE'S UNITED CHURCH

$1740 in donations to Music Heals

EARL HAIG SECONDARY SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

$1200 in donations to Music Heals

WEST SIDE MUSIC TOGETHER

$360 in donations to Music Heals

Wishlist Foundation

$1200 in donations to Music Heals

Misch

$2450 in donations to Music Heals

Sprouts Academy

$700 in donations to Music Heals

Salmon Arm Folk Fest

$2300 in donations to Music Heals

Paula Toledo & The Lost Song Community

$1000 in donations to Music Heals

  • THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ORGANIZED A FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE FOR MUSIC HEALS IN 2024

Together you have not only helped to provide crucial funding support for music therapy programs for people of all ages but you're helping us in our mission to increase awareness for music therapy as well by sharing our cause with your network, friends & family members.


2024 Amplify Donors

  • Huscroft Family Charitable Trust
  • Lynne Taylor Fund
  • The Lawson Foundation
  • MakeWay Foundation - Dr. Bik May Wai & Dr. Chung Nin Lam Endowment

Thank you to all our donors, sponsors and partners in 2024 for helping us give the gift of music to vulnerable people in need through increasing access to music therapy programming across British Columbia.


TOGETHER WITH YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT, WE ARE CHANGING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC.


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPONSORSHIPS AND CORPORATE GIVING