October 18, 2016

(left to right) Jenna Williams, community relations officer accepts cheque from Delia Matthews, president of the All Nations Optimist Club for MHC’s Bring Back the Music program.

The All Nations Optimist Club recently donated $4,500 in support of Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) Bring Back the Music program.

Through the program, elementary school students from Elm Street and Riverside schools are paired with instructors from the college’s Conservatory of Music and Dance, providing children who may not have had an opportunity to experience the arts a chance to learn violin, cello and guitar.

According to the club president, Delia Matthews, donating to this program was a natural fit for their organization.

“We are focused on bringing the best out of children in our area. We often see a need in our community and react to it,” says Matthews. “When we were told about this program, we immediately knew we wanted to support it. Music is a great thing; it balances out a child’s education, helps build confidence in and out of the classroom, and provides them unique opportunities in life.”

Matthews mentions that the members of the club, are looking forward to attending the children’s upcoming Christmas concert to show their support.

“We don’t just write a cheque and walk away, we are invested in the children that we help. These kids are our future, and every single one of them deserves to experience many of life’s firsts, and feel supported while doing so.” Jennifer Kerslake, manager of fund development for MHC’s foundation office, says that the college is thankful for the club’s generous donation and looks forward to working with them in the future.

“This group is focused on providing youth in our community a chance,” says Kerslake. “By investing in this program, they are doing just that. They are providing children the gift of music and we are very thankful for that.”

To learn more about the All Nations Optimist Club, and the initiatives that they are a part of, visit www.optimist.org. To find out how you can get involved with the Bring Back the Music program visit www.mhc.ab.ca, contact Jennifer Kerslake at jkerslake@mhc.ab.ca or call 403.502.8995.