FEATURE

VOICE Cocktail Music Soiree

Photos coutesy Bailey Wilson

In celebration of May Speech and Hearing Month and as part of the VOICE 2009 “Music to My Ears” campaign to raise awareness that deaf and hard of hearing children CAN learn to listen and speak AND enjoy music, the SHAMBA foundation in downtown Toronto sponsored the VOICE Cocktail Musical Soiree.

CTV journalist, and event emcee, Paula Todd, welcomed supporters who contributed to raising funds for the VOICE Cochlear Implant Rehabilitation Program. Over 45 school-aged children from across Ontario currently on the VOICE case load do not receive funding for their pre- and post-implant therapy. VOICE is charging the government of Ontario with providing a hearing health care standard of care. MPP Jim
Brownell and MPP Sophie Aggelonitis attended the event. VOICE is grateful to them, on behalf of all our families, that they have heard our concerns and have agreed to champion in the Ontario legislature the need for health and education standards and for dedicated funding to support children with hearing loss.

VOICE wishes to thank special guest, Federal NDP Leader, Jack Layton, for contributing his time and energy as the event’s live auctioneer. Our thanks also to Paula Todd, our many guests, the team of tremendous VOICE volunteers, including VOICE Board Member, Paul Cross and Fund Development Manager Paula McLellan, for their tireless efforts in assuring the event was an overwhelming success!

Sincere appreciation to our sponsors, the SHAMBA foundation, PHONAK Canada, Charton Hobbs, Long & McQuade, Two Docs & Three Friends Jazz Ensemble and to John Bergen’s City Café Bakery.