Cassandra Hovdestad sees firsthand the difference Creative Kids makes in children’s lives.

As owner and piano teacher at the Saskatoon Academy of Music, she knows how hard it is for financially disadvantaged families to gain access to life-changing cultural activities for their kids due to the costs involved.

At any given time, Creative Kids supports 12 to 20 children attending Cassandra’s Academy, and among them includes one family of five children. The family came to the school as beginners, but the siblings dreamed of one day forming a band. After a year and a half of hard work and determination, the children now perform together and have gained the confidence to nail performances in front of audiences durning recitals and competitive festivals. Without the support they have received from Creative Kids, they would not have been able to realize their dream.

“Seeing parents watch their children perform is very special because the parents often get very emotional,” Hovdestad explains. “They are so grateful for the support that gave them the opportunity!”

Creative Kids gives children the opportunity to learn valuable skills such as self-discipline, focus and goal-setting – all skills Cassandra believes will benefit them throughout their lives. She sees the impact music and other creative activities have on children, and loves when the previously shy kids blossom into performers.

Witnessing the progress of Creative Kids recipients is a very touching experience for Cassandra. “Seeing parents watch their children perform is very special because the parents often get very emotional,” she explains. “They are so grateful for the support that gave them the opportunity!”