Youth Singers support The Stephen Lewis Foundation as part of the 2008 Spring Production; “Stand Up - Make a Difference, Make a Change” on May 11th 2008 at The Jubilee Auditorium.

  After the production of last year’s show, “Right Now”, we learned a great deal about all of our singers. We heard about their hopes, dreams and passions. We recognized that many of our singers see themselves as part of a bigger whole and want to make a difference in the world. We want to encourage this ambition, which is why we initiated this campaign.  

We understand it is difficult to watch the news and not be overwhelmed by the images and the problems our world faces everyday. However, we know that any positive gesture, even a small one, is the first and most important step! As a result, we’ve created the opportunity for our members to donate their pocket change to this worthy cause.  

The Stephen Lewis Foundation came to existence with speed and urgency, due to the astonishing outpouring of support from Canadians who want to join the effort to address the horror of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. SLF focuses on grassroots projects— providing resources to small, front-line groups that make effective use of small amounts of money.

Their funding is directed towards four critical areas:·       

• Providing care to women who are ill and struggling to survive;
• Assisting orphans and other AIDS-affected children in every possible way;
• Supporting the unsung heroes of Africa, grandmothers, who bury their own children and care for their orphan grandchildren;
• Helping people living with HIV/AIDS so that they can educate themselves, and share information on prevention, treatment, care and the elimination of stigma. 

After watching their documentary “A Generation of Orphans”, we were particularly moved by the segment about a boy living with AIDS, (while raising his younger brother), who could only look forward to his weekly dance classes. In many respects, we believe this relates to our own mandate of using music, dance and theatre to teach and inspire our singers and simultaneously, create future leaders and conscientious citizens.   

At our Spring Production, we will recognize everyone’s efforts and make a difference through the presentation of the campaign’s proceeds to The Stephen Lewis Foundation. 

Youth Singers of Calgary:

• Calgary’s most appreciated performing arts company offering internationally renowned “triple threat” coaching, training and performance opportunities for youth and is one of a kind in Canada
• produces and performs 2 showcase mainstage shows annually to sold-out audiences at the Jubilee Auditorium
• prepares and develops youth for life by providing the framework for them to develop leadership skills, teamwork and a sense of self-confidence
• prepares and develops young people for any career by giving them the vital skills of leadership, teamwork, discipline, time-management and self responsibility

For more information, please contact:
Emma Mac Isaac, Marketing and Development Associate
(P) 403-234-9549
(F) 403-234-9590
(E) marketing@youthsingers.org
www.youthsingers.org