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Bring a guitar, help a veteran

Saturday event at downtown bar seeks to quell PTSD
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Guitars for Vets Founder Jim Lowther, with one of the veterans the program has served (Photo contributed)

Based on the premise that music soothes the savage beast, it seems a deceptively simple, yet brilliant, idea; taming the beast that dwells within the souls of men and women in uniform -- the demon known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder -- by handing each of them a guitar, and the training to play it.

This weekend, the organization Guitars for VETS will demonstrate the power of music at a charity event at the Queens Hometown Bar on Dunlop Street, hosted by Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada

Guitars for VETS founder Jim Lowther spoke to BarrieToday from his headquarters in Halifax, and enlarged on his idea.

“I came up with the idea … because I suffer with PTSD and playing guitar saved me. Three or four years ago, we had a lot of veteran and soldier suicides and we had to do something about it. I remembered that something as simple as playing the guitar had such a positive effect on me, so I thought it would help others deal with their PTSD as well."

Lowther then explains how the program works.

“The program is a simple concept: a free, slightly-used guitar and free guitar lessons from a volunteer guitar instructor. We get our guitars from kind Canadians that donate them to us.”

"And if you don’t have an instrument in good enough condition to donate, why not come on down and part with cash toward somebody's six-stringer?" 

Lowther indicates the target for instruments is somewhat ambitious.

“We can purchase a guitar for around $100, so if they raised $3,000 we could buy 30 guitars.”

And not only will guitars be handed down; some will be picked and strummed on the premises, with local favourites The Fred Grant Squares on hand, supported by some surprise special guests. While the aim is for light-hearted entertainment on Saturday, Lowther says the cause is a serious one.

“We have heard from veterans that say Guitars for VETS Canada saved their lives. I know first-hand about the healing power of music.

“Veterans are invited to attend any event held on behalf of Guitars for VETS Canada and sometimes we hand out guitars, but it depends on the veterans.”

Lowther also says it’s provided a wonderful way to show his patriotism.

“I served my country for 15 years and had to get out because of my injuries due to my service. When I got out, I felt lost, but now I feel like I'm serving my country again by helping the troops and veterans deal with their mental health in a positive way.”

And the exchange of instruments is just getting rolling.

“We have given away over 1,000 guitars and it feels good to do my part.”

As well, he urges all of us nationwide to do the same, as a way of keeping veterans from all branches of the military, in all theatres of conflict, in our thoughts.

“I believe everyone has to play their part to help the veterans and families that serve our great country. We have an obligation to make sure the people that protect our homes never go without one.

“If a soldier is injured while serving, we as Canadians have to make sure they get the help they deserve to make a successful transition from the military.”

The Guitars for VETS event takes place this Saturday, April 28, from 2 to 6 p.m., at the Queens Hometown Bar, located at 94 Dunlop Street East.

There is no cover charge, however, donations will be “gratefully” accepted at the door.

To learn more about the program, simply click here.


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Glenn Wilkins

About the Author: Glenn Wilkins

Glenn Wilkins, in a 30-year media career, has written for print and electronic media, as well as for TV and radio. Glenn has two books under his belt, profiling Canadian actors on Broadway and NHL coaches.
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