Our Impact

British Columbia Seniors Outreach & Poverty Relief

In BC, Rick’s Heart Foundation runs its flagship program, the Heart for Music Program is a personalized music program aimed to provide older adults access to their favourite music through digital devices and headphones. Additionally, we close giving gaps by initiating new programs and making possible the work of other charities.

Loneliness, hunger, lack of access to basic hygiene. We can’t let this go on in British Columbia.

Cocoons of safety keep us from seeing those who are suffering. In BC, in the midst of so much beauty and wealth, isolation and poverty exist beyond what most could imagine.

Rick’s Heart is to reach the unreached. To bring smiles and practical proof that we have not forgotten their humanity.

Seniors Outreach

Hygiene Relief

Child Hunger

Outreach to Seniors in Care Homes

The isolation of seniors in Canada is unacceptable. Thousands of older adults in BC and throughout Canada are marginalized and isolated.

And there simply aren’t enough resources at not-for-profit care homes to engage seniors and soften the loneliness.

But music has an impact that reaches further than words.

When Rick saw that his own father was slipping out of reach — despondent and disconnected — he knew he needed a way to break through.

Rick watched the documentary, Alive Inside. He brought headphones to the care home, placed them over his father’s ears and played music.

“Just as the documentary showed, the results were astounding. His dad came to life — his eyes lit up as his head left his shoulder. Alert with memories that the songs resurfaced, (he) became engaged in the present by remembering the past.”

That moment was the beginning of Rick’s Heart for Music program, now reaching seniors across British Columbia.

Seniors Music Therapy: Heart for Music

The Heart for Music program equips seniors’ care homes with complete music programs.

Each home receives music-playing tablets, headphones and speakers, a music account, and music programming to support staff in implementing the program.

No two playlists are the same. We connect with staff to create personal playlists with residents’ favourite songs — music that’s meaningful and familiar, igniting memories.

Care Home Staff tell us that Heart for Music:

Increases enjoyment and meaningful experiences
Decreases anxiety and restlessness while boosting contentment
Stabilizes intense emotions and physically relaxes listeners
Increases self esteem while they sing along
Promotes a sense of connection, decreasing feelings of isolation

Our goal is to offer the Heart for Music program to every not-profit Long-Term Care Home across Canada.

If this mission speaks to you, you can be a part of providing a Heart For Music Start-Up Package, supplying individual care homes with everything they need to bring impactful, familiar music to their seniors.

If you can help us reach seniors with the joy and comfort of music, please give.

Heart for Music brings back precious memories and provides a sense of calmness and happiness.

Thank you SO much for coming to our site and providing us with so much JOY!
It was such a wonderful afternoon! The residents had nothing but amazing things to say.

- Elim Village

(An) elder mentioned that she has not listened to music since she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She started crying and mentioned that the music reminds her of when she was 16 years old.

- Arrowsmith Lodge

I believe in the power of music. It brings people out of themselves. It brings them alive in a really special way and is a connector. Your brain is hardwired to make memories with music.

People in this stage of life have lost that part of their identity. Music brings them back to who they were.

— SHEILA HARRY, BMUS, MTA, KINSMEN LODGE

We have had a few outbreaks during the pandemic. It is such a good program to have while elders are isolated in their rooms.

Our elders love this program — it calms and focuses our lonely or anxious elders. They connect with the music.

During our Covid outbreak we continued to facilitate this program in elders’ rooms and celebrate the joy that the elders are receiving from the program.

— ZION PARK MANOR

I’ve started playing the music to one of our residents, and it was amazing to see his face light up when he heard the music.

One guy couldn’t stop crying because he said the music touched his heart. He kept tapping on his chest to indicate he was touched.

Sometimes I just use the tablet to play the music before lunch and put it on the table to let others listen. It was quite a scene, because a few of them will start singing and dancing.

Many of the songs bring back sentimental feelings and memories and some residents have gotten quite emotional while listening to the songs.

The residents who enjoy religious music also love the hymns that they used to sing in church growing up, songs that their parents would sing to them as little kids, or songs that remind them of home.

It’s also been great conversation starters for residents who tap into memories that they cherish and are able to look back and think about those times with their loved ones.

— CARE HOME STAFF MEMBER

One particular patient sat for a very long time singing along off and on and teary eyed when a song brought back a meaningful experience.

Having this opportunity and being blessed to see the positive outcomes is such a reward for me and the patient. So, thank you so much for the opportunity to have this program at Oceanside

— OCEANSIDE, WHITE ROCK

It has been hard to listen to the grief and loneliness the residents have experienced during lockdown and feel I have so little time in the week to address their need.

Your donation has given me a glimmer of hope; a feeling that others care for their difficult and very isolated situation. I feel that I am able to help them beyond the limited time I have with the residents each week.

In Swahili we say ASANTE SANA (and I’ll add a few more “sanas”)!

— GLACIER VIEW LODGE

The Heart For Music brings great comfort to the residents and helps them to focus. We find that during the music, the residents are singing along and are very engaged. After the music, the residents are more communicative and relaxed.

— VILLAGE BY THE STATION GOOD SAMARITAN

Today I noticed a patient full of frustration and anxiety. She sat in her wheel chair and repeatedly called out. I asked if she liked to listen to music and she said yes.

I put the headset on and she immediately appeared to relax. I was able to meet a need using the music to bring joy.

— TERTIARY OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH, PEACE ARCH HOSPITAL

Just now I gave the music headset to a patient who struggles with words, mobilization and perhaps even feeling isolated with his challenges, and I played Elvis. He stated in a whisper ‘It’s nice’ as he comforted his therapeutic dog that sat on his lap.

The intervention of music has brought a whirlwind of positivity to our program, and I see a vast number of benefits to the patients.

— TERTIARY OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH, PEACE ARCH HOSPITAL

The patients really smile when we put the headphones on as they can hear really well. One patient had tears in her eyes and said she had happy memories listening to that music.

I will be using this music 1:1 intervention every chance I get. So, thanks from all of us for letting us make a difference in lives that need so much love, care and support.

— PEACE ARCH HOSPITAL

British Columbia’s Hygiene Poverty

Most of us take basic hygiene for granted.

But soap, shampoo, sanitary products, linens, and other essentials are out of reach for many in BC.

That’s why we redistribute what would otherwise go to waste.

From Hotels to Homeless Shelters: Delivering Soap for Hope

Soap for Hope provides hygiene products and linens to vulnerable communities in BC.

By collecting and redirecting goods that would otherwise go to landfills, Soap for Hope helps to reduce our environmental footprint while helping those in need.

In 2020 alone, Soap for Hope delivered 77,000 pounds of hygiene supplies across the province.

Rick’s Heart Foundation sponsors the majority of Soap for Hope shipping, including long-haul deliveries from Prince Rupert to Grand Forks.

Two projects, in particular, have meant a lot to us: supplying the Halat First Nation during a flood and delivering 100 like-new mattresses to people who were previously sleeping on floors.

Find out how you can donate supplies, volunteer, or give to Soap for Hope.

Synergy between organizations is a powerful force; especially when a Foundation with a big heart recognizes the value a non-profit organization brings to a community. Soap for Hope is very grateful for our WIN-WIN partnership and we are thankful for the big heart of Rick’s Heart Foundation.

— C. Anne McIntyre, Soap for Hope, Executive Director

Child Hunger in British Columbia

No child should go hungry. But BC has the highest child poverty rate of any province in Canada.

Before the pandemic, 20% of children faced insecurity. Since COVID-19, that rate has increased 74% across the country.

Closing the Hunger Gap with Backpack Buddies

Backpack Buddies helps fill the weekend hunger gap — a time when children go without the support of school breakfast and lunch programs.

A child who receives a bag of food from Backpack Buddies may not get anything else to eat all weekend, so these supplies help kids get through the weekend without going hungry.

Backpack Buddies provided over 49,000 backpacks of food to children in BC in 2020.

Rick’s Heart Foundation has been happy to provide support for Backpack Buddies.

Ricks Heart Foundation has been an integral part of Backpack Buddies expansion.

The Foundation has provided all of the transportation of our food products from our suppliers to our primary warehouse, as well as transporting our backpacks across Vancouver Island.

At a time when so much was uncertain for Backpack Buddies, RHF was one of the few constants we could rely upon to help us execute our programming.

Thank You Rick’s Heart Foundation!

— Emily-anne King, Vice-President & Co-Founder, Vice-President & Co-Founder, Backpack Buddies

Surrey Outreach through Union Gospel Mission

The Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is a charitable organization dedicated to overcoming poverty, homelessness, and addiction — one life at a time.

In Vancouver and surrounding areas, UGM provides:

Meals, shelter, outreach, and chaplaincy services to relieve suffering and renew hope
Life recovery programs offering freedom from drug or alcohol dependencies
Education and job preparation to prepare for successful living
Affordable housing in a caring community
Programs that work towards building a healthy family

Rick’s Heart has funded a UGM outreach van for the city of Surrey and provides shipping services to help UGM distribute donations.

UGM provides an outsized impact to communities in need. By making even a small donation, you can provide much-needed services for Surrey’s people in need.

Giving Surrey’s At-Risk Kids a Place to Play: Sponsoring the Boys and Girls Clubhouse

Surrey’s Boys and Girls Club gives our kids a place to be amazing, safe, and have fun.

Through the club, kids in Surrey get a chance to build and maintain positive relationships, experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, develop confidence and skills for life.

Surrey’s Club is especially important for children whose parents are stretched thin to provide. By making spaces available regardless of ability to pay, the Surrey Boys and Girls Club helps to even the playing field.

For Surrey kids at-risk (those whose parents struggle with addiction, mental illness, or unemployment), the Club is a safe place for the hours outside of school.

Rick’s Heart sponsored the Boys and Girls Clubhouse in South Surrey for many years — a place where kids can learn and grow through play.

If you have a heart for the children of Surrey, please give.

Keeping Families Close: Sponsoring the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Surrey

The Ronald McDonald Family Room in the Surrey Memorial Hospital provides for the needs of families with children who are seriously ill.

When a child is hospitalized, families experience emotional turmoil, isolation, financial stress as well as physical stress from lack of sleep and regular meals.

To be near their child in hospital, many families have to travel and can’t go home at night. The Ronald McDonald Room makes coping with a child’s hospitalization easier to bear.

Rick’s Heart Foundation sponsors the Ronald McDonald Room at Surrey Memorial Hospital — a room where over the past year:

To help families stay where they can be just a step away, please donate. Your gift keeps Surrey and Fraser Valley families together when it matters most.

Hungry to Fed: Our parntership with globalmedics mcAntony's Menu

Did you know that 1 in 8 households or nearly 4.4 million Canadians across the country are food insecure? Globalmedic works to help lower the amount of individuals going hungry.

Globalmedic is a Toronto based disaster response charity that has worked in 82 countries. Domestically they run food security programs.

Through this partnership we have been able to give British Columbians over 50,000 lbs of brand new; rice, pearled barley, red lentils, green lentils. chickpeas and green peas.

Rick’s Heart Foundation is looking forward to continuing with this exciting new partnership with Globalmedic.

Giving is the

heart of community

Rick’s Heart covers shipping costs, gives financial support, and raises funds for international charities reaching the unreached. Rick’s Heart raises funds, gives financial and in-kind support to BC charities taking the edge off of poverty.

Show you care through Rick’s Heart Foundation.

You can direct your donation to any of our charity partners or to Heart for Music, a program led by Rick’s Heart.

International Relief Programs

Rick’s Heart Foundation supports Canadian Registered Charities reaching the unreached. We fund and help to deliver emergency, medical and relief donations around the world.

Charity Partners

Emergency Vehicles & Equipment

Medical Vehicles & Supplies

International Relief Supplies

Fire Trucks, ambulances, school supplies. We get essential donations where they’re needed most.

Doubling the Impact of the Kamloops Firefighters Charitable Society

Kamloops firefighters volunteer and raise money for local causes and international relief.

They contribute to hospitals, run cold weather blanket programs, and provide gear to smaller fire departments, especially on First Nations reserves.

But their most significant impact has been in making possible the donations of emergency and medical vehicles to ship to communities in Central America and Africa.

Older emergency vehicles are ideal to donate. A firetruck from the 1980s will last for another 20 years. And while repairs to new emergency vehicles can cost $20,000, the older models can be easily repaired at a low cost.

Rick’s Heart provides financial and logistical support.

Through this partnership, the Kamloops Firefighters have been able to double their projects and impact, shipping almost 30 fire trucks and ambulances as of this year.

To help save lives abroad, donate to support our partnership with local firefighters.

15 Years of Giving with the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation

Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation (KNFB) makes medical miracles — for those who need them most.

A Canadian charity, KNFB works to enhance brain and spinal medical care in West Africa and countries where neuroscience and emergency resources are scarce.

Over the past two decades, KBNF has:

Shipped $17 million of medical supplies to 17+ hospitals, 5 universities and schools, orphanages, and nursing homes in West Africa
Partnered to build and equip a US $230M modern hospital in Ghana
Educated, trained, and funded 10 neurosurgeons in their home countries
Trained more than 2000 local nurses, medics, and local health workers and more

Rick’s Heart Foundation helps KBNF by fundraising, matching donations, and shipping medical supplies and equipment across BC and internationally.

In 2019, we partnered with KBNF and Kelowna firefighters to send Liberia an ambulance (EMS-001).

KBNF named EMS-001, “Patrick”, after a young man who died from a spinal cord injury because of the lack of emergency medical vehicles in his home country.

With their new ambulance, Liberia has now deployed an amazing 90 member volunteer team that relies 100% on medical and equipment donations.

The ambulance shipped to Liberia was the first. Since then, we’ve shipped a second and a third in partnership with KBNF and the Kamloops firefighters.

Every ambulance is fully-outfitted with stretchers, incubators, oxygen tanks, and all of the medical equipment to save lives.

If you feel moved to support this essential work, donate directly to KNFB.

Getting Relief Where it’s Needed with Compassionate Resource Warehouse

The Compassionate Resource Warehouse (CRW) is a 100% volunteer-run BC charity that collects and ships supplies to organizations in need around the world.

CRW delivers household supplies, medical supplies and equipment, school and children’s supplies, dehydrated foods, and more.

Since 2000, CRW has delivered more than 500 containers to well over 70+ countries.

Rick’s Heart Foundation has supported the work of CRW financially and by collecting donations of supplies for 15 years.

We cover the costs of shipping across the mainland at no cost.Reach out to CRW if you would like to help collect, sort, clean, repair, and load items that are shipped overseas. You can also help by donating funds or supplies. CRW relies on donations of all kinds from Canadian businesses.

Support International Relief through

Rick’s Heart Foundation

Rick’s Heart covers shipping costs, gives financial support, and raises funds for international
charities reaching the unreached. To give with us, make a donation.