🎶 Non-Profit Spotlight: Concerts in Care Atlantic -Nova Scotia

“We Bring the Music to You!” Concerts in Care Atlantic brings high-quality professional music performances to people who cannot get out to attend concerts. Their audience members may be living in a residential care facility or hospital, or meet at a mutually convenient gathering place such as a public library or day program setting. Through their performances, Concerts in Care Atlantic brings joy and beauty to seniors’ facilities across Nova Scotia, building bridges between elders, caregivers, and loved ones while engaging powerful emotions that can improve the mood and living conditions of seniors in care who may be isolated or withdrawn. Music can evoke strong memories, and their professional musicians are passionate about performing in these settings, bringing compassion to every presentation. Each 45-minute concert includes narrative and storytelling about the music, the musicians, and their instruments. By the end of 2026, Concerts in Care Atlantic expects to have presented over 225 concerts to seniors, staff, and families in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Eastern Passage, Cherry Brook, Wolfville, and Chester. 💛 Why It Began Concerts in Care was established in Vancouver in 2006 by music-lover David Lemon, who wanted to bring the joy of first-class, professionally performed music to frail and vulnerable seniors living in long-term care. Over time, his vision has spread across Canada, with six independently incorporated societies carrying out this mission in different regions. Each society is a performing arts organization sharing a mission to: Provide beautiful, compelling music performances to special audiences in care who are beyond the reach of the concert hall. In doing so, they celebrate the dignity of elders in care and contribute to their overall sense of community. Support local musicians by providing performing opportunities and supplementing their incomes. Help local performing arts partner organizations expand the reach of their performers to audiences they would otherwise never reach. Each society is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status in its home jurisdiction, run by a local board with dedicated local staff supporting day-to-day operations. To date, Concerts in Care has presented thousands of concerts to thousands of Canadians. In Atlantic Canada, as the newest presenter, the organization expects to present more than 225 concerts in 2026. 🧡 Who They Serve & Their Impact Concerts in Care Atlantic serves vulnerable and isolated seniors living in long-term care, hospitals, hospices, retirement communities, and senior day programs who cannot get out to hear live, professionally produced concerts. Their concerts improve mood and cognition, encourage movement, and provide a normal activity for families and staff to attend alongside residents and members. These performances are highly anticipated and remembered. There are often singalongs, foot tapping, and even chair and standing dancing! Staff report awareness, enjoyment, and happy smiles each time compassionate musicians present programs tailored specifically for their audiences. With musical styles ranging from Celtic to Country to Classical, Concerts in Care Atlantic creates opportunities for seniors to enjoy live music, connect with others, and experience the joy that music can bring. 🚨 Current Initiatives & Urgent Needs As a charity, Concerts in Care Atlantic relies on fundraising to present concerts at low cost or no cost to care facilities. This includes partnerships with organizations such as Debut Atlantic, which allow them to bring touring musicians to long-term care residents. Demand for these performances is great, and the organization is urgently looking to replace funding that is not forthcoming from Arts Nova Scotia this year. They also anticipate needing $20,000 in 2027 to continue presenting concerts at: Camp Hill Geriatric Rehab Unit The Veterans Hospital Spencer House Dartmouth Seniors Centre The Black Cultural Centre Wolfville Nursing Home / The Elms Current funding for these 40 concerts expires in September 2027. Continued financial support will help Concerts in Care Atlantic keep bringing professional music performances to seniors who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience them. 🤝 How You Can Support There are several ways to support Concerts in Care Atlantic right now: Donate: Make a secure online donation through CanadaHelps under Health Arts Society of Atlantic Canada, or send a cheque. Follow on Facebook: Stay connected with their performances and activities. Spread the word: Share their work with friends, family, and the community. Host a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser: Help raise funds to support future concerts. Share their videos: Visit their YouTube channel and share performances to help others discover their work. Every contribution helps Concerts in Care Atlantic continue bringing music, joy, and connection to seniors across Nova Scotia. For more information, contact: Peggy Walt 📧 peggy@healtharts.org 📞 902-422-5403 Visit: https://concertsincare.ca/atlantic-canada/ 💬 In Their Words A heartfelt testimonial from Mary Lou Petersen, daughter of resident Eleanor Rice: “My mother, Eleanor Rice, now 100 years old, has been a lover of music and a concert goer all her long life. She is now too frail for me to take her out to a concert. It is a comfort for me and a joy for her to be able to attend a concert in her care home, one put on by professional musicians. She lights up when she attends a performance like the most recent one at The Admiral held on March 16, just like she used to light up when I was able to take her to a symphony or a play. I was recently part of a couple of protests in front of Province House where, Shoulder to Shoulder, we attempted to communicate to our government the travesty of reducing arts funding and other community services. I sincerely hope that your organization retains enough funding to continue to perform the stellar and important work you do. With sincere regards and many thanks, Mary Lou Petersen, daughter of resident: Eleanor Rice” Through professional performances, compassionate musicians, and meaningful connections, Concerts in Care Atlantic continues to bring the joy and beauty of live music to seniors who cannot attend concerts themselves. Their message says it all: “We Bring the Music to You!” 🎶💙 Learn More: https://youtu.be/5vW8a6dCWDM?si=JyA6n6izr9Nf78PX