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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND DISTRIBUTION

3/17/2018

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​Legacy Instruments of Change has enjoyed a 6 year relationship with youth, families, funders and partners in Fort McMurray and area, and 15 years in Calgary and surrounding areas. We have assisted numerous youth by supplying locally donated instruments, providing weekly individualized guitar and other music lessons and potential engagement in day long workshops…all through local schools and agencies that appreciate the incredible impact that music and long-term mentoring can have on a young person struggling with school and at high risk of leaving school early and/or potentially being drawn into criminal activities in the community – the unfortunate reality for many youth who leave school early is poverty, under employment, homelessness and as noted, involvement in crime…75% of adults in Canada doing time have only achieved an average grade level, of grade 7.
 
Prior to the fire we were preparing to pull the program out of Fort McMurray, primarily because we were having difficulty in locating a local organization to assume responsibility for the program. We were asked by community members to re- consider this decision so that we could continue to support young people through a very difficult time and to attempt to locate a local agency that would assume responsibility for the program.
 
Local donors stepped forward to fund the program including the United Way and the Municipality of Fort McMurray and our good friends from Fort McMurray Oilsands Rotary. These donors were very generous with their support, with 27 youth now firmly enaged in the program and 5 schools that assist us in connecting with qualifying youth, by offering space for the weekly lessons at no cost and assisting in any other way that helps youth to stay connected. This is  very economical and it allows us to connect with youth where they live and ‘hang-out’.
 
As you are most likely aware the United Way of Fort McMurray fell short of their 2018-19 target resulting in our program not receiving funding for 2018-19 – a decision that basically forces us to close the program by March 31st, 2018, and to terminate 27 youth, who have come to rely on their weekly sessions, virtually immediately…in our 15 years of operations we have never been confronted by anything like this and we’re very concerned about how youth will be impacted by this decision. Our program has achieved phenomenal results since our inception, with 80% of youth staying in school and on a positive life path - that in the long run helps us all, both socially and economically…one youth who leaves school early can cost tax payers up to $16,000 annually in specialized community support services. For this and many other reasons it is imperative that we help our youth complete their education and to give them a chance of becoming successful and contributing adults – “an education is the one great equalizer that gives every kid a chance”.
 
Obviously this news is extremely disappointing, however there is a very dim light at the end of the tunnel…word spread fairly quickly about this circumstance and thanks to Dave Martin, our local coordinator and artist/mentor, we have been able to secure a portion of the funding necessary to keep the program moving forward until at least the end of June. We still require $6,000 of the $10,000 required to accomplish this short term goal and we will also endeavor to secure the minimum $50,000 necessary to support the program until June 2019…Legacy will continue to assist in fundraising through local and government sources and share all the information we have about running the Instruments of Change Program to the new sponsoring agency. Too much effort has gone into the program and we won’t quit on the youth of your community without a good fight…please help us help your kids!
 
If you can assist please contact us and feel free to send this notice to your friends, family members and through your personal networks.
 
Darryl Wernham, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
The Legacy Children's Foundation - Alberta
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Fort McMurray Legacy Instruments of Change

12/2/2016

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​You may or may not be aware that for the past 3 years we have been offering programming in Wood Buffalo on behalf of 25 youth within Fort McMurray and surrounding communities. The program resonated with folks in the region, and at the end of the 20015/2016 school year we were ready to pass the program over to a local group that would continue to provide the Instruments of Change Gift of Music Program on behalf of very deserving youth.
As we all know, however, before that deadline the entire region was impacted by a devastating fire that negated our desire to hand the program off to an organization that was similarly impacted.
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We couldn’t leave our participating youth and our friends after such a traumatic event, so we rolled up our sleeves and proceeded to approach local Wood Buffalo donors to encourage them to support Legacy so we could continue to help young people who more than ever needed our help.  
 
I am pleased to report that both the Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and the Red Cross through the local United Way, have financially committed to the program in support of 20 deserving youth for the remainder of 2016-17. The local Rotary has also committed funds for a 2nd year that will increase our reach to 22 youth.
 
We are so incredibly inspired by the resilient people of Wood Buffalo - we are all well aware of how important that community is to the economic well-being of our province and our country. A large part of our future success is ensuring that young people in the community are taken care of, since they are  so important to our country’s future success. We need to do what we can to help them through this very difficult time.
 
This sentiment holds true in any community…young people who are succeeding help us all and a large part of that success comes from staying in and completing school and staying on a positive life path.
 
As you know we are reaching out to people to help us in assisting youth in their desire to follow their dreams and to become successful and contributing adults. I appreciate that these are difficult times for people and I know that people in Calgary and Alberta are incredibly generous and concerned about the future of our province…so when you’re thinking about giving during this holiday season, please consider Legacy Gift of Music and help us give a “gift that gives for a lifetime”.
 
Darryl Wernham, Chief Executive Officer
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MEET OUR DJ INSTRUCTORS ! ​

11/1/2016

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Legacy’s Gift of Music programs have expanded this past year to include DJ lessons. This new program element has proven to be incredibly popular and we are now excited to introduce you to our amazing DJ Instructors who are making this all possible.

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Crystal Rhodes aka DJ Crystal Fresh
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Where are you from? I lived in Manitoba/Saskatchewan until I was 22, then British Columbia/Costa Rica for 10 years, and now in Calgary.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I began raving at 14 years old, DJing at 18, throwing events and touring at 21, teaching DJ lessons at 25, and I started working as a talent booking agent this year, so its been atleast a solid 14 years that I've been in the music industry.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I loved music right from as far back as I can remember.  My whole family loved music and I was always dancing, singing, or writing poetry.  Playing instruments such as clarinet, bass guitar, and keyboard came easy to me as a kid, so I picked up DJing very quickly.  There was an active rave scene in the city where I went to university, so it was a big part of the youth culture where I grew up.
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? Currently, I am DJing with turntables, cdjs, and controllers, and I play the Djembe for fun in workshops sometimes as well.
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? My good friend Jamie told me about an organization she was involved with and suggested I may be a good fit and have a lot to offer based on my experience and education.
 
What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? I have the opportunity to teach kids how to DJ and express themselves through music.  Working with the foundation creates a platform for kids to channel their energy and explore their passions through the creative outlet of music.  This offers kids a skill set that will increase their self confidence and support personal growth, as well as provide them with tools, resources, and opportunities for work and travel in their future. 
 
What is your favorite song/band right now? My favorite song right now is:  All Alone – Pegboard Nerds and Grabbitz
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? If I had a superpower, it would be that every person, animal, and thing that heard my music would magically be healed to the absolute strongest and happiest they could ever possibly be!  I would travel the lands with a very loud sound system and heal everything that could hear me!
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: An interesting fact about me is that I have travelled to 17 countries and DJed in almost all of them.
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MEET STEPH!

10/25/2016

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Stephanie was our summer student this year. She brought a number of fresh ideas with her and helped us in moving our social media project forward in a strategic manner.
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​Stephanie Madsen
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Where are you from? I’m from Calgary! I still spend my summers here and then go to school at the University of Western Ontario in London Ontario for the rest of the year!
 
What do you take? I take music and business with a focus on music production and marketing. After my degree I hope to be able to practice business in some aspect of the music industry.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I started music from day one - my grandma is a piano teacher so it was super important to her and my mom that I start music early. I’m pretty sure Baby Mozart was the soundtrack of our house through my entire infancy! In junior high was when I really started doing musicals and performances and just fell in love with it, I’ve been doing it ever since!
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? I started with piano, but now I play guitar, ukulele and sing!
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? Through close friends and the Hunter Family Foundation who’ve worked with Legacy before! As soon as I heard about it I knew it was something I would be passionate about.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? I do mostly behind the scenes work so I haven’t had the privilege of working closely with the youth, but just knowing that my work is going to make a difference in someone’s life is super rewarding.
 
What is your favourite song/band right now? Too many to choose! I’d say right now I’m listening to a lot of July Talk and the Lumineers.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? To freeze time so I could get all my work and chores done and then unfreeze it to go do the things I love…plus it would be a great way to pull pranks on people!
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: One of my greatest passions is travelling and, so far, I’ve been to twenty countries ☺

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October 20th, 2016

10/20/2016

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MEET SAM!

Interview by Stephanie Madsen 
This past summer I was lucky enough to have a chance to sit down and talk with Sam Spensley and her mom, Krista, about their experience with the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As some of you may know, Sam got a chance to perform at the Juno’s this year with Canadian singer/songwriter, Lights. If you got a chance to see her performance you know how amazingly talented this girl, who’s been taking lesson’s with the Gift of Music program for about 6 years, can be. Unmistakable thanks to her blue ponytail and laid back nature, Sam was a delight to interview! 
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When did you first become interested in music?
I’ve always been interested in music because of my dad; he was a big influence because he was listening to music constantly as I was growing up. Mom: He has a story for every song.
 
How do you mean?
Mom: well, he makes up a little story to go along with every song. It’s how he remembers them; he’ll forget anything else, but never a song.
 
What kind of music was he playing around the house when you were growing up?
The Beatles, especially Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, disco, metal, rock. Everything really, from the Bee Gees to Led Zeppelin
 
What is your favourite song right now?
I’d probably have to say Move On by Wit Lowry. I really love the powerful lyrics.
 
Tell me a bit more about your experience at the Juno’s, how did this opportunity happen?
I went to a TD’s MusicCounts event and played with Chantel Kraviatzic, that was awesome. Then my mom sent an email to them to say thank you and that started the whole thing. After that they asked if I’d like to play with Lights … it was unreal.
 
In two words, how would you describe the experience?
Mind. Blowing.
 
How was Lights to work with?
Absolutely so down to earth and sweet! She always made sure I was comfortable and prepared.
 
Were you a fan of Lights’ before you met and performed with her?
Yes, since I was 9! I saw a music video of her on the Family Channel, the one with the paint on the white house, and loved it!

​How did it feel to perform in front of such a large audience, watching both live and at home?

Pretty crazy! I was really nervous but I couldn’t actually see anyone once I was onstage because the stage lights were so bright. I think the best way to describe it would be empowering. It was empowering!
 
You said you were really nervous, how did you deal with those nerves and give that amazing performance that everyone saw?
Take a few deep breaths, I kind of had one, I guess, breakdown? The morning before. [Lights and I] had been practicing over skype and it was all going well and then it just hit me! But my mom was there and she helped me through it and after a few deep breaths it was okay.
 
Who’s been your #1 supporter through all your musical endeavors?
Definitely my parents, they’ve always been very supportive.
 
What is your biggest goal outside of music right now?
Get my high school diploma. It’s one of those thing like, don’t love it but I gotta do it!
 
After you finish your education would you ever consider pursuing music professionally?
Yes, I’m very interested!
 
What could you see yourself doing? Performing or more behind the scenes stuff?
I think I’m a pretty loud and in-your-face kind of person so definitely performing!
 
Outside of music, what else are you really interested in?
Cosmetology, especially [hair] colouring and stage makeup!
 
Your blue hair has become your signature, did you do it yourself?
Yeah! Actually I’ve been doing it for years so I’ve gotten a lot better at it! It’s fun! 
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MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS!

10/11/2016

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​The Legacy’s Gift of Music programs are an important tool to help youth in our community learn music and ultimately stay in school and out of trouble. This program would not be possible without the dedication of our many amazing instructors.
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INTERVIEWS BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

​Verne Luchinski


Verne was our very first instructor for our Gift of Music Programming. He has taught guitar in various locations in Calgary as well as in Morely School. Verne was “instrumental” in creating the Legacy Music Academy in Morley, a project where youth were immersed in music every day, for half a day…the result being young people who became regular school attenders and high school graduates. He is currently our SKYPE based music instructor.
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​Where are you from? I was born in Eastern Saskatchewan, and have resided in Calgary since 1990.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? Playing in my dad’s family band on weekends in our home was my first exposure to and immersion in “being part of the band”. It was this experience that really taught me the importance of being mentored by more experienced musicians and the joy of performing live music.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I have been learning, performing, and teaching part-time or full-time for the last 48 years
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? Mostly guitar, bass, keys, harmonica
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? Through a mutual friend who put me in touch with Darryl who asked me to start teaching in a pilot project with the YWCA. I also started a summer project teaching at Morley which morphed into a full program which is now fully funded and administered by Stoney Education Authority.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation?  Working with the kids one on one because I get an opportunity to give undivided attention to students during our half-hour lesson each week, which, in in many cases, proves to be beneficial to the student’s sense of trust and belonging.
What is your favourite song/band right now? Tom Petty, John Prine, Pierce Pettis, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, etc. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carol King and performed by James Taylor
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? Being healthy
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I played my first paying gig when I was 10 years old: a New Year’s Eve dance in 1971, at which a brawl broke out that included just about everyone at the dance and resulted in a family feud between our neighbours that has resembled the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s since that night.
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Peter Clarke

A professional musician for more than 30 years, Peter is currently teaching at Ranchlands School and Terry Fox School as well as Bowness Boys & Girls Clubs. Peter has been with us for 6+ years as an instructor and he also refurbishes our donated guitars. We get nothing but rave reviews about Peter from youth, parents and community partners, with one of his long-term students, Sam, performing this year at the Juno’s.
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​Where are you from? I was born in Calgary but have lived all over Canada and the United States.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I started playing guitar as a teen and am self-taught. Then I started playing in bands and it’s all history from there.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I have been in the music industry most of my life, since my late teens.
 
What instruments/ type of music do you play? I can play guitar, bass, harmonica, drums. I play all kinds of music.

​How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? I met Daryl and Sandra as a guitar repairman.  They came to my shop with donated instruments that needed repair.
​What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? I really enjoy seeing students learn that they can play music.
 
What is your favorite song/band right now? Too hard to say, it’s like picking a favorite child – but I love the BLUES from the 1950’s.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? SUPER LOVE – why not?
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: Besides playing music and teaching music I also repair guitars.
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​Mark Sadlier-Brown
 
Mark came to us through the National Music Centre and since joining Legacy has shared his passion and skills with youth attending TB Riley School in Bowness. Mark is a well-respected musician in Calgary and like all of our musicians, he consistently receives rave reviews from his students and school personnel.
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Where are you from? I was born and raised in Ottawa Ontario.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? My dad bought a stereo for Christmas and some albums.  There was always music in my home.  Then my brother bought a ukulele.  That’s what got me started.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? 35 years
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, bass, ukulele, jug and harmonica.
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs?
 
I was volunteering at the National Music Centre.  Daryl came to a meeting there and we chatted.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? I like to see a student’s eyes light up when they realize that they are making good music.
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Picture Courtesy of  Dragan Ballac

What is your favourite song/band right now? I have a lot of favourite bands.  Right now I am liking Paul Pigat and his band “Cousin Harley”.  I also like the “Alien Rebels” and “The Sadlier-Brown Band”  I like so many songs that I can’t narrow it down to one.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? The power to heal.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
I am an artist.

​Joseph Belhumeur
 
As well as being a Legacy instructor, Joseph is also a dedicated and busy full-time teacher in Eden Valley. Joseph has been with us for 3 years and he has nurtured the Legacy Music program so that it has become an integral part of regular school programming. Joseph is an inspirational educator and music teacher who is making a real difference for youth in the community.
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Where are you from? I am from a small community in east central Saskatchewan call Weekes.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I began enjoying music from a young age as my mother loved to play guitar and sing. I first pick up the guitar when I was 12. I got my first guitar when I was 16. I have enjoyed playing music since that time.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I began to become more involved in the music industry once my children began playing music. My children, Luke (16), Kobe (15) and Colten (12) form a 3 piece band. We have an older son, Joel (20), who plays guitar and sings but does not play in the band as he is going to college in Saskatchewan. The boys have played may events and participated in talent contests. We are currently working on making their first album.

What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, sing, bass, drums, and learning piano.  

How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? I first learned of the Legacy Children’s Foundation through a fellow musician.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? My favourite part of working with the Legacy Children’s Foundation is the generosity of the foundation towards making learning music possible for everyone.
 
What is your favourite song/band right now? I don't not have current favourite song and band as I enjoy all types of music from smooth jazz to celtic to Metallica.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? The super power I wish I had is the ability to fly. Why, I am not sure, but it is the super power I dream of most often.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I suffered from social anxiety for much of my younger years and music has helped me overcome the anxiety as well as helped in many other parts of my life. 

Justine Vandergrift
 
Justine is the most recent addition to our family of guitar instructors. She came aboard this fall and has fit into the Legacy family very nicely with her taking on three music programs: Cochrane Boys and Girls Club and Holly Cross and Bishop Kidd schools.​
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​Where are you from? Lacombe, AB
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I’ve been involved for about 5 years
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I've been playing music and singing for as long as I can remember. I began playing guitar at 13 and started writing songs at 14, performing at 15 and have been ever since.
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, some piano, ukelele, mandolin and banjo.
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? From Mark Sadler-Brown when I met him at my friend Mariel Buckley's show in May 2016.

What do you think will be your favourite part about working with the foundation? The opportunity to share the gift of music by teaching children. Music has made my life so rich and I don't know where I'd be without it so it only makes sense to pass it along.
What is your favourite song/band right now? Chris Stapleton!
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would want to be able to tele-transport to all my favourite places in the world at any time.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I love to travel and learn about other cultures. I have had the privilege of travelling in Kenya, Honduras, Uganda, Ghana, Honduras, Romania, The Netherlands and Mexico.
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MEET JAMIE!    

8/22/2016

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INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

Jamie is a coordinator and instructor for the Legacy Children’s Foundation who has been a driving force in our developing DJ Program aimed at giving youth, who may otherwise not have a chance to learn DJing, a creative outlet and musical education.


Name: Jamie Eddie

Where are you from? Edmonton, AB

How many years have you been in the music industry? 7 years

When and how did you first get involved in music? I loved to dance from a young age and that appreciation for music lead me to where I am now.

What instruments/type of music do you play? I am a DJ who plays on Turntables. I play Hip-Hop, Drum & Bass, and various types of electronic music.

How did you first find out about the Legacy  Children’s Foundation Gift of Music Programs? A friend who knew the foundation well approached me about getting involved and once I found out more during my meeting with Darryl I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.

What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? My favorite part working with the foundation is I am both a program coordinator and instructor! Not only do I get to work one on one with our students but I also get to help build and facilitate programs. Currently we are launching year 2 of our Direct Drive DJ Program which is very exciting!

What is your favorite song/band right now? In the DJ world we tend to listen to a lot of underground production where sounds are constantly changing and evolving! If I had to choose a song our readers could relate to I really like that song on the radio ‘7 Years’ by Lukas Graham.    

If you could have any superpower what would it be? I think it would be cool to be able to instantly play any song on every musical instrument possible ... but we all know that takes a little practice ☺

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: An interesting fact about me is that I have performed at every major city in Canada and have also toured Costa Rica!
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MEET OUR FOUNDERS!

8/22/2016

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INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

​Meet Darryl and Sandra Wernham, our tireless founders who created the Legacy Children’s Foundation and started our Gift of Music programs!  
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How did these programs start?

Darryl: The programs were initiated as a legacy project in honor of Sandra’s father/my father-in-law, Dr. Stan Finn. Stan was an accomplished musician, head of the music department at the U of C for many years and musical director of the Young Canadians and the Stampede Grandstand Show for 25 years.

We wanted to do something very different that would appeal to at risk young people and assist them in completing their education and help them to stay on a positive life path.

Sandra: We’ve been offering instruments and weekly music lessons and workshops to youth through schools and service agencies in the community for 13 years and we’ve been consistently 80% successful at achieving our noted objectives.

What are your roles?

Sandra: Darryl and I have been running the program out of our home since the program’s inception…we coordinate all the efforts related to programming, do all the promotions and community networking, the on-going fundraising, program evaluation and tracking, manage the instrument bank and all the matters related to accountability including donor reporting and finances.

What did you do before Legacy?

Darryl: I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the U of C and 40+ years of clinical, community and management practice experience from government, non-government and community based organizations.

Sandra: I have Degrees in Physics and Medical Research and previously spent more than 30 years working in a variety of not-for-profit, educational, and corporate settings,

We have very different backgrounds and experiences and we complement each other very well with respect to our very different skill sets.

Are either of you musicians? If so, what instruments do you play?

Darryl: We don’t play any instruments and we’re actually very “un-musical”. We just know the value of music and the arts and how music in particular can assist youth in achieving their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how youth who are struggling in so many areas begin to achieve success in all aspects of their lives thanks to their involvement in our program.

What is your favourite part about working with the programs?

Darryl: As I noted it’s seeing how powerful a program like this can be and we’re particularly impressed with the quality of musicians we’ve been able to recruit. They are really what makes this program tick, with many youth being with the same instructor for 7-8 years…more than a music program, this initiative is really a long-term mentorship program that impacts youth in some very significant ways.

Sandra: It is also very rewarding to experience the gratitude from parents who come to our home to pick up instruments for their youth – many of whom never imagined being able to provide experiences such as we provide for their children.

What are your favourite songs/bands right now?

Darryl: Our favorite song is Kokomo by the Beach Boys because our 4-year-old granddaughter loves it and sings it with us in the car.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Darryl: I would love to be able to fly, even though I’m afraid of heights.

Sandra: I would just like the ability to ‘transport’ myself to any location (like in Star Trek) so I wouldn’t have to take gravol every time I travel.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

Sandra: We are both the same age as a famous Beatles song ☺
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Positive Changes, One child at a time

12/22/2010

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One of the best things in life is to see a child with a look of pure happiness on their face. Due to our “Gift of Music” programs we, individuals involved with The Legacy Children’s Foundation, have had opportunity to see this wonderful sight a number of times through 2010. The joy of accomplishment when a child realizes they can make an instrument create music, combined with the realization that the instrument is theirs to keep because they have dedicated the time and effort, not only makes children smile, you should see the faces of the parents!

We often feel lacking in our ability to provide hope, that societal problems, even in our own country and province, are too large and somewhat confusing, wherein many people which also includes thousands of children, become marginalized and fall through the cracks. At Legacy we get to assist and we see positive change as it takes place, one child at a time. It is tangible, we see it happen, we hear from the parents (more often than not a single mother struggling to raise her children with less than adequate tools), we hear from the music instructors, we hear from school teachers, that there is definitive improvement in these children’s lives in everything from attitude to school attendance.

For myself, as Chairman of the Board of Directors, I am thankful and proud of what The Legacy Children’s Foundation has and is accomplishing in the lives of an expanding number of children. It was expressed to me this fall by two young members of a rock band from Stoney First Nations that are involved in our program and were performing in Calgary at a venue made available through our CEO, Darryl Wernham and Kerby Centre plus a number of sponsors. These young men told me that the opportunity to be involved in music and to be able to express themselves through their music was changing their lives and also how their friends, family, and peers looked and treated them. They were going to school, they were not in gangs and they believed they could make a positive change in other lives not just their own. I would have loved to see their faces when the TV coverage of the event provided by Global was aired as they were included, all of their friends and family would be able to watch these “new stars”.

As we begin the New Year with the realization that positive change has to begin with us and that it often takes sacrifice plus the gift of time, expertise, and money to make it happen. There are many people and organizations that we want to thank for these sacrifices and gifts. To our CEO, Darryl Wernham and as importantly Sandra who makes everything come together; our Board of Directors: Shawn Wilson, Lisa Stangel, Mark Johnson, John White; our adviser and good friend Paul Diemert and our new member of the team Troy Black; our music instructors: Verne Luchinski, Chris Millar, Peter Clarke, Renne Malo, Ken Dietrich, Dan McLaughlin, Nathan Lenet and other music instructors providing lessons for our supported youth throughout the province; our Cold Lake Coordinator Don Cassidy and our Stoney Reserve liaison Irfan Pirbhai; our corporate partners: Kickaxe Guitars, BowTown Music, St John’s Music. Peters Guitar Repair, One World Drum, Macen Accordion Studio; our sponsors: Burns Memorial Fund, Dundee Wealth, Button Family Foundation, various Calgary Lions Clubs, Government of Alberta; as well as our many instrument drive and drop off location partners, music program location partners, music fund and instrument donors and others who have helped us along the way - and most importantly the children who are working hard within the Legacy programs - straight from the heart we say THANK YOU and may you have the BEST YEAR YET!!!!!

Patrick Toth, Past Board Chairperson, Legacy Children’s Foundation
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A look back at 2010 and our vision for 2011

12/22/2010

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This year has been a year of exciting growth and new development. We have grown from supporting 50 children and youth to 130 young people. This growth is primarily due to two new projects funded by the Safe Communities Innovation Fund and  Alberta Justice in collaboration with Children and Youth Services in Edmonton. Our programs in Calgary, Morley, Eden Valley and Big Horn Reserves and Cold Lake are coming along very nicely with Big Horn reserve looking like it might become our test community for our Internet Studio project. We have been contacted by many smaller, remote communities in Alberta and our northern neighbours and we are hoping that we will be able to reach youth in these communities via the internet in 2011.

Legacy’s Gift of Music Programs don’t exist without our many community partners and collaborators, for example – The Boys and Girls Clubs, The YWCA Chillzone Program, The Burns Memorial Fund, Kerby Centre for Seniors, The Calgary Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Four Directions Foster Care Program, Hull Child and Family Services, Woods Homes, City of Calgary Afterschool, City of Calgary Police Services, KickAxe Guitars and our good friends in Cold Lake: The Cold Lake Reserve and the Stoney Nation School Authority. We are also very excited about our new partnership with the Calgary Public Library in Forestlawn where we will be offering a one of a kind HIP HOP program starting in January.

The future for Music Lesson and Studio support looks promising for Legacy with Government Funding secure until 2013 and new funders like Rotary and Lions Clubs coming on board. The Country and Music Association of Alberta has embraced our vision of a Better World Through Music and we are pleased to have the Ranchman’s in our corner for 2011.

Overall our outcomes in relation to 2010 have left us feeling very optimistic and we are thrilled to announce that Troy Black will be joining our team as our Fund Development Consultant. Troy joins us from a very successful career with the Calgary Health Trust and we are optimistic that Troy will be successful in opening doors to new donors and partners throughout the province of Alberta. Like every charity in the province we are continually on the lookout for resources that will either support lessons for children and youth, instrument refurbishment, studio time and opportunities and program coordination...if you are considering a charitable gift in the new year please consider the Gift of Music – “a gift that will last a life time”.

I hope you all have a fantastic Holiday Season and we look forward to making 2011 the best year yet for Legacy’s children and families.
-Darryl Wernham, CEO Legacy Children's Foundation
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