“We tried. But every door was closed.”
Crescendo
There is so much heart and talent on display at CRESCENDO. And beyond the incredible music, you will experience powerful personal stories from those affected by mental health struggles.
I’m pleased to serve on the Board of John Cameron Changing Lives and work with friends who pour their whole hearts into support for mental health at events like CRESCENDO.
At the heart of every A John Cameron Experience production is the belief that music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a catalyst for change. Our shows are designed to move people, connect communities, and create real, lasting impact long after the final song.
We believe music can heal, inspire, and unite. That’s why our mission goes beyond the stage to support mental health initiatives, nurture young talent, and invest in community programs that change lives.
Kickstand, operated by the YMCA of Northern Alberta, is one of the recipients of proceeds from Crescendo Edmonton on May 9th through the Mental Health Foundation.
Kickstand
If you’re a parent, a teacher, a caregiver – you may have heard those words. Maybe you’ve said them. Maybe you’ve watched a young person you love lose hope because every step toward help felt like another dead end. An appointment… followed by silence. A referral… with a six-week wait. A system built for paperwork, not people. It shouldn’t be this hard. It doesn’t have to be. Kickstand is the kind of place we wish had existed sooner. It’s free. It’s youth-focused. And it’s different.
For young people aged 11 to 25, Kickstand offers walk-in and virtual support that wraps around every part of their life: mental health, physical health, substance use, employment, peer support, and more. All under one roof. All in one place. And when a young person walks into a Kickstand hub for the first time, they’re not met with cold waiting rooms or confusing paperwork. They’re met with warmth. A face that says,
“We’re glad you’re here.”
They sit down and hear, maybe for the first time in a long time,
“Yes. We can help.”
Crescendo
There is no six-week wait to be heard. No shame. No cost. Or being shuffled from one service to another. This is a place where hope walks back in. Where healing feels possible. Where families exhale. This is why we want to come to CRESCENDO™.
Bring your family. Sing along. Donate if you can. Every dollar gives a young person a chance at something better – maybe their first good day in a long time. Let’s make sure the next time a young person asks for help, the answer is simple:
“Yes. You’ve come to the right place.”
Jocelyn and I were at Crescendo in Calgary with friends. Plan to attend in Edmonton for the music and the cause. We guarantee you’ll be on your feet more than once.
And you’ll get to hear Julie, one of our REVwords readers, sing in the choir along with all the crew from A John Cameron Experience.
Hope grows here. We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.
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