Kalaikal Creative Arts

Playing Music for Change

Posted by Dela M - 605 days ago

 

There are innumerable ways to make a difference. One of the ways that War Child Canada chooses to make a difference every year is through their unique musical event better known as “busking for CHANGE.” If you’re not familiar with the term “busking,” it simply means to perform in public places for money. This art has been used for the past two years by artists to make change for War Child Canada.

WCC is an organization that helps create safe havens for child soldiers. Many of the children are orphans who turn to war as a means for survival. The organization works alongside NGOs of the country they are located in to help a child with their mental and physical needs.

This year has been WCC’s third year “busking for Change” and their line-up included Raine Maida, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the Toronto based alternative rock group, Our Lady Peace. Maida is a very important person to this particular event as he inspired the movement.

In 2007, Raine Maida spent 12 hours on the streets of Toronto busking for War Child. Raine alone has raised $22,000 for WWC’s School Rebuilding Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Students who are a part of the organization through their respective schools have also made a difference. Last year on March 3rd, War Child Canada at York University in collaboration with the executive team at the University of Toronto put together a show called Musical Mutiny which took place at the London Tap House. They used music to spread awareness and raise funds.

Now, I’m not saying you should start busking for change to make a difference nor am I suggesting that this is the way to contribute to organizations such as War Child Canada.  I am, however, encouraging you to start thinking about how you can make difference through your skills and talents.

“Busking for CHANGE” took place this year on September 21st (International Peace Day) in downtown Toronto.

For more information on the event or War Child Canada, please visit: www.warchild.ca.

 

Dela Muhundarajah is a fourth year undergraduate student at York University pursuing a Specialized Honours in English. She is on the Student Council for Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at York, and is the submissions editor for Existere: Journal of Arts and Literature.