When life was getting too much for Ella Breslaw growing up, she turned to music and the arts to find the light.
Breslaw is acutely aware of the inner joy derived from those aspects of life and now she wants to help as many people as possible experience the same thing.
That’s why, late last year, the Richmond resident kicked off the non-profit Helping Hands Foundation, which, on a case-by-case basis, offers support to low income individuals and families, those affected by mental and physical disabilities and those who’ve dealt with trauma and abuse.
If a candidate is suitable, the foundation, with the help of financial sponsors, will receive financial support for their area of passion or be given access to a local recording studio to pursue their dream.
“So many people have financial troubles and are not able to do the things that matter to them,” said Steveston resident Breslaw, whose partner runs a recording studio near Blundell Road and Railway Avenue.
“I grew up with a lot of abuse, trauma and depression. But my stepdad, the jazz singer Kenny Coleman, inspired me and I realized that music and art and creativity can help transform your life.
“I see in other people how much music elevates their lives and I want to help with that.”
Breslaw said she thought about setting up the foundation around a year ago and, over the last six months, her vision started to evolve and take shape.
“We’re in the process of getting sponsors to allow people to be able to record music when they could never have dreamed of such a thing,” she added.
“For example, we are helping some young people from an Indian reserve, who want to get away from where they are and just record music.”
But it’s not just music lovers who are benefitting from Breslaw and the foundation, a young figure skater has also been touched by Helping Hands.
“The figure skater is my daughter’s friend; her mom works three or four jobs to ensure that her daughter can skate. I just wanted to help them as well,” she said.
Breslaw has just launched the foundation’s website, has put ads on Craigslist, is putting up posters and is using social media to try and get the word out.
The foundation, according to Breslaw, can help with: financial assistance for recording music; financial support for classes, workshops, lessons and training; musical instruments and art supplies; financial assistance for other areas of creative expression; helping advance artistic careers.
Potential sponsors for the foundation and its clients should go online to IgnitingTheHumanSpirit.com.
