At the beginning of 2016 I made a commitment to give 10% of all the fees from our music lessons to a worthy cause making a difference in the lives of children. OzChild works with over 6,000 children and young people with the aim of providing them a better future. OzChild often works with children who are in the ‘too hard’ basket in the belief that every young person deserves the chance to shine. Their approach is comprehensive; where they can provide multiple services to address the often numerous issues in the lives of children and their families.

Last year MusicWorks helped by donating $1917

Through MusicWorks and the support from the St Ambrose family, here is an idea of what these funds went towards and how we were able to make life a little bit brighter for a few little champions.

• Every $20 can pay for a toothbrush and p-jays for a frightened child’s first night under a safe roof.
• Every $50 can help provide much needed educational support for a child who’s had to move away from their old school, teachers and school friends.
• Every $100 can help give vital therapeutic care to a child exposed to family violence.

In the past OzChild has also changed lives in the music sense too. Bobby received a Chance to Shine grant to for a new guitar to follow his passion of music, songwriting and performing. Bobby is a passionate singer songwriter and was trying to get professionally recorded but the borrowed guitar he had was not of the right quality. Bobby has since released his first album, with all songs written and performed by himself. He is also having success in local and national music talent competitions. Without the Chance to Shine grant, Bobby could not have continued his passion with music.

A big ‘thank you’ again to all the support of the families at St Ambrose. By giving your children the chance to explore the amazing gift of music you are also touching the lives of other less fortunate kids around Victoria. Without even knowing it you may have made someone feel like there is hope!

Jake Gordon
MusicWorks