Two grade 10 students at Earl of March Secondary School have brought together a virtual community of young performers to bring smiles to seniors at long-term care homes, retirement residences, and hospitals.
Aleesha K. and Ally G. launched Music for Seniors, a series of virtual concerts featuring performances from students across the Ottawa region. The concerts are posted on YouTube and shared with five local residences and hospitals. In addition to music and dance, participants can send in artwork, letters, and cards to be shared virtually with seniors.
Aleesha and Ally started Music for Seniors in October as a project for the Believe Leadership Course club at their school, part of the North America-wide Believe Initiative. Their work was recognized as a Top 2 Passion Project by the school’s chapter of the club.
In February, they released their first 40-minute concert featuring over a dozen creative submissions.
The initiative provides support to seniors during a challenging and often isolating time. It also offers students a unique way to give back to their community and earn volunteer hours.
In a recent interview with CBC Ottawa Morning, Aleesha said, “I really enjoyed seeing the feedback from the seniors and knowing that I helped make their day better. … Students are really enjoying sending us videos and we actually enjoy putting it together as well, so it’s been a really positive experience overall.”