TAKE A MILLION STEPS FOR THE ARTS
For all of you spending time isolated during the pandemic it can be especially hard. If it is hard for us, it can be doubly hard for elders who previously already lived in isolation in nursing homes, care homes and hospitals. In solidarity we will make it though. When life returns to “normal” we will resume our work of providing Concerts in Care for folks in homes, and continue creating much-valued paid work for the artists. Until that time, I am undertaking a personal journey to raise money for programming for the Health Arts Society of Regina.
In 2006 my life changed. I was diagnosed with cancer and given a 50/50 chance of survival. I beat the odds and I am still here. I was always an active person, but following treatment, I was left with chronic illness, a damaged heart, damaged lungs, and terrible neuropathy that made my balance poor and walking very difficult. Since 2006 I have had 11 surgeries and numerous treatments to control the chronic disease. Consequently, undertaking any challenge, let alone one that would have me walking 90 miles, was not a challenge to take lightly.
Then we were thrown into a pandemic. All nursing homes, care homes and hospitals were locked down, fundraisers cancelled, all programming for our homes stopped. I have always believed that arts and culture are a barometer that can be used to gauge the health and well being of communities. At this time art is considered an extraneous commodity and artists everywhere suffer. When all returns to “normal” will the world we left behind with the bright and vibrant colours that art provides, or the connection with sound and vibration, still exist?
I am challenging the community to “TAKE A MILLION STEPS FOR THE ARTS.” For the next year I will attempt to walk one million steps to raise money for Concerts in Care. I encourage everyone to pick up the challenge and donate to your favourite arts organization. Walk 100 steps, walk one million steps, but walk with purpose. We will get through this. Let's make the “normal” we return to as vibrant and colourful as the one we left behind in March 2020.
I invite YOU to join the “Walk.” Create your own walk, join others from your favourite arts organization and donate to support the arts in your community. Tell us your own story on the FaceBook Page “Support your Local Arts Community.” To walk for a different charity, contact them and send them a donation outlining your commitment.
To join or support my million steps for art, sign up or DONATE ONLINE HERE. All donations will receive a charitable tax receipt. Donate a dollar for every step, donate a lump sum towards any or all of the milestones, donate a little, donate a lot, every penny helps deliver musical programming to elders living in nursing homes, care homes and hospitals. How ever you choose to participate, help raise awareness for the important contribution art makes to the betterment of our lives and our communities.
Sincerely,
Noela Bamford Board of Directors Health Arts Society of Regina For more information, please e-mail Noela Bamford CLICK HERE to DONATE to the WALK