Rebound Rocks Program Coordinator Stephanie Hyde (left) and Client Services Team Manager Andraya MacMillan (right) accepting a donation from Canada Post. November 2020. (Photo by Rebound)Rebound Rocks Program Coordinator Stephanie Hyde (left) and Client Services Team Manager Andraya MacMillan (right) accepting a donation from Canada Post. November 2020. (Photo by Rebound)
Sarnia

Music program on the rebound with help from Canada Post

Sarnia-Lambton's Rebound Rocks program found a $15,000 donation in its mailbox recently, part of Canada Post's Community Foundation grant.

The music therapy program provides youth with tools to create a rock band, and plans to use the donation to purchase a number of items, including equipment, program material, and advertising.

Executive Director Carrie McEachran said Rebound Rocks performed at nearly 20 events across the county in 2019.

She said this year has been a challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth were unable to play together for about seven months.

"They did some virtual stuff where they were able to get online and play but it just wasn't the same," said McEachran. "They're back at it now. The hallways of Rebound are getting back to normal and listening to the youth play. I think everyone here needed the youth back in the building just as much as they needed to be back."

McEachran said music is a great outlet for youth to build self-esteem, resilience, and creativity and it even has therapeutic benefits.

She said many started the program with no musical background but were able to quickly adapt.

Sarnia-Lambton Rebound operates 21 different programs, serving youth between the ages of eight and 24.

The organization has supported and served over 40,000 youth across Sarnia-Lambton since 1984.

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