Singer Shawn Mendes donates RM4.5mil to music programme for sick children

The money will support music therapy activities, music education, song writing and more. Photo: TNS

Singer Shawn Mendes made a major donation to bring the Wonder of Music programme to patients at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Mendes committed US$1mil (RM4.5mil) through his foundation. The money will support music therapy activities, music education, song writing and more through the Toronto-based SickKids Foundation.

“We are so grateful to Shawn and The Shawn Mendes Foundation Canada for their incredible support of SickKids and the music therapy program,” said Carolyn Marshall, a certified music therapist at the hospital.

“SickKids is a very special place to me and my hometown of Toronto, and I’m so honoured to support such an important program,” Mendes, 24, said in a press release.

Along with custom lullabies and music therapy activities, the creation of original pieces will be set to the rhythm of the patients' heartbeats.

In addition, the Teen Choice Awards winner announced a new line of Martin guitars made with FSC-certified sustainable wood and recycled materials. A portion of the proceeds from each guitar sold will go to the Wonder of Music program.

“Music has made such a profound impact in my life and is no doubt a form of therapy to me. I can only hope the Wonder of Music Program will help SickKids patients, families, and staff benefit from its power as well,” Mendes said. – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Tribune News Service