Music enriches the lives of people of all ages. Music is uplifting and inspiring, and it crosses the boundaries of social and cultural differences.

Some of the benefits of listening to music, particularly for older adults, include:

• A more active and agile brain, with improved brain function and memory – this is particularly true for stroke recovery patients.
• Improved mood and quality of life – music can bring back happy memories and even direct attention away from pain.
• When sharing our love of music with others, we create common ground and improve connections.
• Used as part of an exercise routine, music can help improve physical fitness – listening to music also helps with respiratory health by promoting rhythmic breathing.

This autumn, residents at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour are focusing their Hearts for Giving philanthropic campaign on the Victoria Conservatory of Music. A non-profit organization with 60 years in the community, the Conservatory is renowned for its diversity of programming in classical, contemporary, technology and creativity, post-secondary studies and early childhood music. Their music therapy program also delivers customized services to meet the needs of more than 1,900 individuals weekly – the largest clientele served per week in Canada.

Tapestry at Victoria Harbour residents have a long history of harnessing the generosity of their fellow residents and the surrounding community. Other recent fundraising efforts have benefited the Victoria Hospice, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, the BC Cancer – Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion, and displaced Ukrainian nationals located in the Victoria area.

One of Tapestry at Victoria’s residents, Dr. Perry Bamji, has a very personal connection with the Conservatory. In 2022, he established a scholarship in memory of his late wife – the Annamaria Bamji Award for Emerging Musicians. Dr. Bamji says his wife, who was from Italy, was very fond of cultural activities, especially opera, and he wanted to memorialize her love for music.

“You get some very bright students who may not be able to afford to buy instruments or music or pay for lessons, so that’s the main reason I chose to set up a scholarship for emerging musicians,” he says.

These efforts reflect the community’s ongoing focus on contributing to the broader community. And they serve as an extraordinary example of how a committed group of people – of any age – can make a significant impact in society when they have “hearts for giving”.

“It’s incredibly humbling to see Tapestry residents come together to support this cause, and we couldn’t be prouder to help with their efforts,” says Amber Reis, General Manager at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour.

Tapestry residents are leading the way to meeting or exceeding their $10,000 fundraising goal We need your help so that even more children, youth and adults can benefit from the Gift of Music.

If you are able to help support this worthy cause, you can make an online donation today. If you donate on or before Giving Tuesday on December 3, 2024, an anonymous donor along with corporate sponsor and local professional accounting firm Cameron Izard Snell have agreed to match all donations up to $10,000, further increasing the impact of your contribution.

Your donation will help support the overall operations of the Conservatory, including administration of its scholarship and bursary programs. There were 219 recipients of scholarships and bursaries for the 2024-2025 academic year, for a total of $238,000.

We are also hosting a fundraising event on Friday, November 22 from 3-4 pm and members of the public are welcome to join us at Tapestry at Victoria Harbour, 777 Belleville Street, Victoria. Students from the Victoria Conservatory of Music will perform a selection of classical music so that you can experience first-hand the difference music education has made in their lives. A reception will follow. Visit www.vcm.bc.ca for more information about the important work of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.