What does Guitars Not Guns Canada do?

Guitars Not Guns Canada has been providing guitars & lessons to at-risk youth in Toronto since 2006, because we believe in the power of music to change the world, one kid at a time.

We work with staff at our partner locations to determine which students would benefit most from being involved.

We then hand each student a guitar, and our instructors teach them the basics – notes, chords and some simple songs – over the course of eight one-hour sessions. Students then perform at a concert for their families and community members.

The pay-off for GNG Canada kids? Increased self-esteem. A sense of achievement. And a guitar that is theirs to keep.

The formula is tried and tested, and it works — as we see every year, when former students end up coming back as mentors to support the next generation, assist instructors and help organize our end-of-semester concerts.

Is Guitars Not Guns Canada a registered charity?

Yes, we have been a registered charity in Canada since 2009. Donations  of $20.00 and over are eligible for tax receipts.

Each year, we run our program on just a few thousand dollars. Almost all of our fundraising is spent on the guitars we hand to our students and the food and drink provided at our graduation ceremonies.

If you would like to help support what we do, please visit our donate page.

You can check out our registered-charity information profile at the Canada Revenue Agency here.

Who runs Guitars Not Guns Canada?

We are a 100%-volunteer-run team of committed instructors and people working behind the scenes, including:

Board of Directors

Michelle Diaz, President

CC Godawa, Vice-President

Glenn Stephens, Legal Counsel

Advisory Council

Jeremy McQuay, Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Mondello, V.P. Program Development & Community Relations

Leslie Shoichet, Director of Fundraising

Meghan Paulin, Social Media

Are you affiliated with Guitars Not Guns in the US?

We are an independent Canadian organization.

Guitars Not Guns was founded by Ray Nelson in the US, where it continues to expand.

For more information about our sister organization in the US, check out Guitars Not Guns.