Giving Tuesday
This Giving Tuesday Give the Gift of Music & Quality Time
Today is Giving Tuesday, the world’s largest generosity movement, aimed at transforming our communities. This Giving Tuesday, you can give the gift of music to patients and loved ones at Hospice Halifax.
“Music was the greatest gift we received at Hospice Halifax. With Nora’s dementia, I knew a time would come when she wouldn’t recognize me. But if I sang, even if she was losing who I was, the music would reach her, and she would know that someone cared.” – Pat Dingle
Kristi Anderson
Music Therapist, Hospice Halifax
As the Music Therapist here, every day, I have the privilege of being with someone while they are connecting with memories, looking back on aspects of their lives, and reflecting on those.
Every Music Therapy Session I provide looks different – sometimes, our goal is to increase relaxation or reduce anxiety. Other times it’s a space for emotional expression or social interactions. And, often, we use Music Therapy as a space where loved ones can be together and connect (or reconnect). At end-of-life it can be hard to connect, and music has that special way of bringing everyone together for some quality time.
I’ll never forget the first time I was invited into a patient’s room as they were actively dying. I remember this person’s family and friends all gathered around them. You could feel the love in the room, but also the anxious unknown. We had spent many weeks together finding songs that reminded everyone of growing up together, so, as the family and friends gathered, I began to play these songs one last time.
Everyone sang along, holding the hand of their loved ones as they died. Music gave them a starting point to explore the depths of emotions in that moment. I am honoured to be able to provide this tool every day to patients and loved ones.
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it’s a time when charities, companies and individuals join together and rally for favourite causes.
Giving Tuesday harnesses the power and generosity of people around the world to bring about real change in their communities. It provides a platform for them to encourage the donation of time, resources and talents to address local challenges. It also brings together the collective power of a unique blend of partners – nonprofits, civic organizations, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals – to encourage and amplify small acts of kindness. Across Canada and around the world, GivingTuesday unites communities by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another.
LEARN MORE AT THE GIVING TUESDAY WEBSITE
Questions?
If you have any questions or if you are having trouble with the online form, please contact:
Mackenzie Moyer