Leonard Graham Crawford believes that music has the power to unite people and should be easily accessible to all. After spending nine years homeless, Crawford has been receiving assistance from Grace Place in Thunder Bay, a charitable organization providing free meals, clothing, and a seasonal shelter program.
Recently, clients at Grace Place were delighted by a special piano performance by Mike Boguski, the keyboardist of the renowned Canadian rock band Blue Rodeo. Crawford expressed how the music brought comfort and unity, helping everyone momentarily forget their struggles.
Grace Place serves around 300 meals daily and offers an Out of the Cold program with 25 emergency beds. According to Gary Macsemchuk, a pastor at Grace Place, the need for such services has been increasing due to the rising cost of living.
Boguski has embarked on a unique initiative of offering free solo performances in various communities during his band’s tour. His aim is to bring the healing power of music to people regardless of their financial situation. Melody Macsemchuk, the operations manager at Grace Place, welcomed Boguski’s performance enthusiastically, acknowledging the positive impact it had on their clients.
The uplifting piano melodies resonated with individuals like Robert Esquega, a member of Red Rock Indian Band, who found the music to be positive and uplifting. In addition to the musical treat, Thunder Bay’s Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub provided a free vaccination clinic at Grace Place, emphasizing the importance of community support and health services.
As winter approaches, donations of warm clothing are crucial for Grace Place to support those in need. The organization also accepts monetary contributions and grocery items to assist their clients and ensure no one is left out in the cold during the harsh winter months.