On Saturday, October 3rd, Rick’s Heart Foundation had the pleasure of bringing live music to the seniors at Zion Park Manor for the very first time as part of the Heart for Music program.
The sun was shining as the seniors sang, clapped, and danced along to classic covers by The Braidwood Band, who performed a 45-minute set in the parking lot at a safe distance. The seniors joyfully enjoyed the show from their balconies and through the windows of their rooms.
“Toes were tapping, hands were clapping, people were movin’ and groovin’ to the music.”, a staff member at Zion exclaimed.
“The terrace level residents were just enthralled. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.”
A beautiful sunny afternoon at Zion Park Manor in Surrey, BC.[/caption]
The Heart for Music Program
Following its launch in 2019, the Heart for Music program has lifted the spirits of over 100 residents living in Surrey’s care homes. Our charity has done this by supplying mp3 players, headsets, and custom playlists to the senior care homes in Surrey, BC such as Zion, Kinsmen Lodge, Elim Village, KinVillage, George Derby, and Czorny Alzheimer Centre.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the need for the program has increased due to the pandemic’s devastating impact on those living care homes. Many families have felt helpless as they have been unable to visit their loved ones as often, leading to feelings of isolation for the nearly 27,000 elders living in these facilities across British Columbia.
Our signature pink firetruck made an appearance. at the event!
Volunteers and Staff ready to watch the show![/caption]
Heart for Music: Music is Therapy
Music has been a proven healer in seniors. Inspired by the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award-winning film, Alive Inside, our founder — (and founder of Diamond Delivery) — created the program to help reignite lost memories and instill positive emotions in those suffering. Over the course of the year, the results have been outstanding.
“They sing along, tap their toes, and the calming effect for those elders who are upset or agitated is beautiful!”, said a staff member at Zion Park Manor. Sadly, as COVID-19 outbreaks have become all too common in these facilities, we had to think of an innovative way to continue providing the healing power of music to seniors while keeping these beloved members of our Surrey community safe. As a result, the idea for our first parking lot concert was created!
The Main Event
The team at Rick’s Heart Foundation arrived at Zion Park Manor at noon on the beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, sporting our pink face masks to ensure safety while setting up refreshments. With the charity’s signature pink fire truck on display, the stage was set for our special guests, The Braidwood Band.
The staff at Zion assisted the seniors on their balconies. The residents were thrilled to see the band ready to rock with their instruments. They smiled and sang along to the fun and melodic covers of their classic rock favourites for nearly a full hour. In a time where live music has been eliminated due to the pandemic, it was a real pleasure for everyone in attendance – providing nostalgia not only for the seniors but for us as well!
The Braidwood Band performs for the seniors at Zion Park Manor![/caption]
Rave Reviews
“This was so long overdue – our residents have been starved for the regular entertainment and variety that was the norm around Zion! It was quite moving to see how enthralled they were with the live band – watching all the instruments being played, dancing, clapping, and singing when they heard the songs. For those able to get outside to hear, it was really ideal. Many were stationed by their windows, which were opened so that they could hear really well. This was very well attended (27/35 elders on the Garden Level) and just such a great show of support for our seniors. We can’t begin to tell how much it meant to staff also! They were able to see the joy in the resident’s faces … many who haven’t looked so happy for quite a while. Music definitely touches the soul. It brought me to tears.”
More to come for the Heart for Music Program
The Heart for Music program is just one of Rick’s Heart Foundations various programs that make us Surrey’s top community charity and one of the best charities in BC — but we couldn’t do it without our supporters. We thank you for your continued contributions to the Surrey charity program and hope that you will continue to donate so that we can continue to host more live concerts at care homes in Surrey and provide the equipment needed to offer the program in more facilities across British Columbia.
Check out all the ways you can support future concerts and the Heart for Music program here.
About Rick’s Heart Foundation
Rick’s Heart Foundation is Surrey’s top charity for those struggling with addiction and homelessness in British Columbia and beyond. Founded by Rick Diamond, philanthropist, and owner of Diamond Delivery, we strive to create a community built on compassion, partnering with some of BC’s best charities, providing services, and implementing programs to raise funds and lift the spirits of those in need and at-risk, both locally and globally.
About the Heart for Music Program
The Heart For Music Project is being offered to Not For Profit Care Homes throughout B.C. Rick’s Heart Foundation has initiated this project and gifts each care home with supplies and startup funds. Businessman and Philanthropist Rick Diamond believes that music is a powerful tool that can bring joy and comfort to seniors living with dementia and to those who are lonely and isolated.
Seniors are set up with personal playlists with music that is meaningful to them. No two playlists are the same as it is identifying and providing each senior with their own music that creates such wonderful responses to the music. Once the program is set up it is a wonderful way for families, staff, and volunteers to bring smiles and contentment to seniors.
About Zion Park Manor
Zion Park Manor offers family values, fellowship, and security within the Surrey community. Their mission is to provide complex care services “in a Christian atmosphere, nurturing a happy, active and independent celebration of life.” By using a holistic approach in caring for spiritual and emotional needs as well as physical and mental needs, these elders experience a better quality of life. Zion Park Manor is committed to providing the highest quality of service with a passionate, dedicated, skilled, and well-trained team.
