Deborah Murray is a longtime volunteer for the Town of Port McNeill who has lived in the North Island for 42 years now.
Murray is also one of the biggest advocates when it comes to instilling a love of music in children and adults. Deborah, her daughter Georgia, and a few other Port McNeill residents, banded together to create an innovative program called Wild Heart.
“It was Georgia’s concept and then we all got on the train,” said Murray, who added all the community members involved “quickly formed a board and then we became a charity and we started to work through all the details.”
As for why they wanted to create the program, Murray noted there was a lack of music being offered in the school system at that time, “and I think we wanted to create a real desire for music by going into the communities and offering it. We are now imprinted in the community and we still want to keep it going.”
In fact, the non-profit music program has worked tirelessly since 2012 to bring free choir lessons and vocal workshops to the youth of the North Island, and definitely shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Murray noted her personal favourite moment from all of the programs they have put on is “seeing all the beautiful shining faces” during the choir practices and vocal workshops.
So what’s up next for Wild Heart?
“We’re remodelling a bit,” noted Murray. “We’re still in the schools doing much of the same programs, and the board is currently envisioning what the future is going to look like. We’re taking clear steps to keep things fresh and keep it going. Wild Heart will continue, just look for the heart and you will know it’s us.”
Murray added she is overwhelmed by the recognition from the community members who nominated her. “I’m appreciative, but it’s not just one person, it’s the whole board who worked together to create this.”
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