Eden Foundation, the fundraising arm of Eden Health Care Services, is looking ahead to Saturday, March 8th and a Night of Music to Support Mental Health. Doors will open at 630pm at Christian Fellowship Church in Steinbach for an evening of lifting our voices together alongside the wonderful sounds of the Winnipeg Singers and the Steinbach Youth Chorus.
"Eden Foundation helps support all of Eden's programs that we have," explained Quinn Friesen Events Coordinator. "So whether that's the housing, Recovery of Hope counseling or Segue which helps you create resumes, things like that. Even the Mental Health Centre (in Winkler), we give some funds there, and also Pathways (Career Options). We have many different programs that we help support, and so this is a big help with that."
The Winnipeg Singers, a professional 24-voice choir led by Yuri Klaz, was established in 1972. Their repertoire spans from the Renaissance to contemporary works. Touring Canada, Europe, and Asia, they have earned acclaim and twice received the Healey Willan Prize for choral excellence from the Canada Council. Friesen noted there is a connection between the Winnipeg Singers and Eden Foundation, with one of the organization's board members also a member of the vocal group.
Meanwhile, the Steinbach Youth Chorus, Grades 5 to 8 group, rehearses weekly, and has a diverse repertoire that's sure to please every ear in attendance that night.
"I used to perform in choir for a lot of my life, especially that part of my life, and that's very special," shared Friesen. "Getting them to come in alongside a choir that's fairly renowned, like the Winnipeg Singers, I think that will be very unique for them, and I think they'll really enjoy that,"
There's a fairly well documented connection between mental health, well-being and music, and it's some very unique and special according to Friesen.
"When my grandmother was in the personal care home, anyone who had any musical ability come in and perform for them, seeing what it did for her was so special," reflected Friesen. "At times she couldn't talk, but it just brought her joy hearing that music. I feel, for most people, music does bring them joy. Whether they're performing themselves, or just getting to sit there and listen, it kind of takes you out of your head for a second, and you just get to be in the moment and listen to something beautiful."
There will be a freewill offering during the evening.
"If you feel like our Foundation is something you feel is important, for not just for you but for many other people, we encourage you to give any amount," said Friesen. "Any amount you give helps us, and it helps us continue our programs, which is the most important part."