Trillium grant supports ‘Magic of Music’ program at local hospice

January 3, 2020 · 0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

A $59,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant will support a new program at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston – called the “Magic of Music”.

On Thursday December 19th, Matthews House Hospice welcomed members of the public and Simcoe–Grey MPP Jim Wilson, to an announcement event to mark the launch of the new “Magic of Music” program, and to hear more about how the seed grant will allow the healing powers of music to infuse the already fulsome menu of compassionate care.

The Magic of Music Program will provide access to compelling cultural experiences by establishing a series of monthly seminars and acoustic performances that explore the myriad of ways in which music impacts people of all ages in every area of their daily lives including the restoration of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

“As the hub for the delivery of integrated hospice palliative care services in our community, we are thrilled to be able to provide this important program enabling our families and communities to realize the power of music,” said Kim Woodland, Matthews House Hospice CEO.

Canada’s pre-eminent musicologist, Martin Melhuish, will guide interactive discussions regarding how music affirms a shared human condition by questioning, challenging and discussing such topics as mental health and depression, philosophy, death and dying all with the assistance of music exploration.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundation. OTF awards monies to projects that build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.

For more information visit www.matthewshousehospice.ca or call 705 435-7218.

Matthews House Hospice is located at 131 Wellington Street East, Alliston.