Cover for the Cause is a fundraising event connecting artists, fans, and communities. This event, by Music Heals, aims to raise funds and awareness for music therapy programs across Canada. It’s a way for artists to reach out not only to their fans but also to their community as well. The premise of this event is to raise funds using pledges for various bands to perform covers. It brings publicity to the foundation, music therapy, and the bands. As of this posting, $6,293 has been raised so far.

Fans of Covers for the Cause

As a fan, you can donate to the fundraising page of your favourite artist and request the song you want the artist to cover. The request can be for you or dedicated to someone special. It’s as simple as that.

Artists of Covers for the Cause

As an artist, all you need to do is set up a fundraising page and record yourself performing the requested songs. These videos don’t have to be professional or even traditional—living rooms, studios, elevators, and so on all work. (There was even a group that recorded Happy by Pharrell Williams on a gondola ride up a mountain). Then, all you need to do is share it with the donor directly or through your social media.

Showcasing Artists from Covers for the Cause

Here’s an example of one of the artists, the Matinees, covering the Phil Collins song, In the Air Tonight.

History of Covers for the Cause

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Music Heals is a fundraising group focusing on music therapy. Music Heals has donated almost $900,000 to various music therapy programs serving a range of patients, including seniors, children, those in rehabilitation, burn units and so on. Music therapy is a kind of therapy that uses music to help mentally, physically and emotionally. This therapy is used for an immense variety of ailments, including emotional disorders, mental health issues, childbirth and neonatal care, pain management, schizophrenia, substance abuse and many, many more. For more music information therapy, check out the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.

They have several other fundraising campaigns, including the iPod® Pharmacy and the Strike a Chord Gala. Keep an eye out for different events and fundraising from Music Heals. You can connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Tell me how you feel about Covers for the Cause or music therapy in general.