The participants of The Sudbury Youth Rocks Program are hoping to attend Canada Rocks 150 in Toronto in June 2017 in celebration of Canada 150 to help raise money for MusiCounts, the education wing of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science.
In 2013 Sudbury Youth Rocks Program was the recipient of a TD MusiCounts Community Grant which enabled them to purchase necessary equipment to continue working with the participants.
Since that time, they have been looking for a way to pay it forward.
"This is a perfect opportunity to help out a very worthwhile agency that gave to us when we really needed it" said Director Joel Mackey.
Canada Rocks 150 will in June be attempting to enter the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest rock band performance of all times. The current record is 953 participants.
Canada Rocks 150 is looking for a minimum of 1,500 musicians singing, playing guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums at an undisclosed location in Toronto. More information on the event can be found at www.canadarocks150.com.
The Sudbury Youth Rocks Program is an award winning program exclusive to Sudbury and funded through the John Howard Society of Sudbury which matches at risk youth with volunteer mentors who use music to teach life skills, self-confidence, respect and dignity for themselves and others.
Many of the youth suffer from mental health issues, drug and alcohol addictions and low self-esteem. A grant from the Sudbury Community Foundation allowed Sudbury Youth Rocks to continue into their 10th year having assisted 100 young people successfully transition to adulthood.
In order to participate in Canada Rocks 150 Sudbury Youth Rocks Program is currently on a fundraising drive. The number of participants attending will depend on how much money is received.
There will be such costs as transportation, lodging and meals that need to be covered prior to registration.
Sudbury Youth Rocks Program has set up a fundraising platform at www.gofundme.com/the-worlds-largest-rock-band.
There will also be a number of fundraising shows during the next five months. Donations can also be arranged by email at [email protected] or by calling (705) 207-2113 or bringing them to the John Howard Society of Sudbury at 204 Pine Street, Sudbury.
