Auction proceeds from Battle of the Ad Bands to support at-risk youth + healthcare music projects

Following on from a successful partnership at this year’s Battle of the Ad Bands with The New Zealand Music Foundation, CAANZ has announced that the charity auction proceeds from the annual agency rock shootout will this year support two music-based projects in Wellington and Auckland that will change the lives of at-risk youth and people with neurological conditions.

The trustees of The New Zealand Music Foundation, including local music industry heavyweight Don McGlashan, met this week to select a project from Zeal Wellington to replace worn out equipment in their CBD performance headquarters. In addition, The Foundation identified the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research CeleBRation Choir, which works exclusively with people who have conditions such as Stroke and Parkinson’s Disease, to receive a state-of-the-art keyboard to use on-site and at community performances.

The New Zealand Music Foundation has been working with both Zeal and The CeleBRation Choir since the inception of the charity in 2012.

Says Paul Head, CEO of CAANZ: “On behalf of CAANZ, BOTAB and the advertising industry, we are proud to support Zeal Wellington and The CeleBRation Choir –  two projects that use music to make real change in people’s lives. CAANZ will certainly come on board to support The New Zealand Music Foundation again at Battle of the Ad Bands 2015.”

The general manager of The New Zealand Music Foundation, Peter Dickens, says that the experience of working with the advertising community has been uplifting and that the projects are a great reflection of the partnership.

Says Dickens: “These projects are perfect examples of music-based initiatives involving  youth, creativity and the human need to communicate. They also show how music can make a real difference in social development and healthcare. Thanks to the Battle of the Ad Bands 2014, over 13,000 people will benefit through these inspiring programmes.”

Says Scott Reeves, regional manager, Zeal Wellington: “This support is great news for our work with young people in Wellington. The New Zealand Music Foundation has been aware of our need to replace broken equipment at our Wellington Youth Facility that’s essential for our delivery of weekend events, rehearsals and training in production, live sound, lighting and event management. Music changes lives, and this will definitely help us to continue to have a positive impact.”

Says Suzanne Purdy, director of speech science and CeleBRation Choir head professor: “We had spoken with The Foundation about our outreach initiatives for the Choir. Thanks to the addition of the keyboard, the choir is going to greatly benefit through its use at weekly rehearsals and also at regular performances in the community. The difference the choir makes to the lives of its members, who have all been through so much, is immense and we’re very grateful for this endorsement of our work.”