School Of Rock Markham supports ATLAS Program at MSH

School of Rock Markham (SORM) will host its annual Band-Aid Fundraiser at Nineteen on the Park on May 31 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Proceeds will support Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) in the Adolescent Treatment and Learning Alternative Services (ATLAS) program and the SORM House Band’s annual tour.

SORM brings together students to learn music, take lessons, develop skills, and perform at private and community events. SORM Band-Aid Fundraiser has supported MSH since 2016, and has raised $11,658 to benefit the ATLAS program, which is part of the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services at MSH.

The ATLAS program launched in 2013, serves as an intensive treatment program for teenagers 12-18 who suffer from severe anxiety and depression that affects their school attendance and/or performance. ATLAS offers treatment to reduce and build strategies to manage symptoms. In 2023-2024, ATLAS facilitated 1,877 patient day visits that resulted in 23 students returning to school in the upcoming year.

“In recent years, the demand for mental health services has risen up to 25 per cent – the youth population in our community is especially affected,” says Allan Bell, Vice President, Community Relations & Corporate Partnerships, Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.

Attendees will enjoy live music from the talented SORM House Band that will play hits from throughout the decades. Along with a BBQ lunch, 50/50 draw, raffles, a gift card wall, and a silent auction that includes 4 tickets to a Blue Jays game. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5.

Music Director at SORM, Calvin Basi highlights youth experience with touring: “The touring experience is one that is intoxicating and impossible to replicate. The money raised from this event goes towards creating an experience that gives students a glimpse into the lives of touring musicians and all of the joy that can come with that experience.”

Basi continues to support ATLAS: “The ATLAS program is such a unique and important program and we’re very happy to continue to partner with them. I have seen firsthand how important programs that support teen mental health are, and having spoken with family members of people in the ATLAS program, I have seen how incredibly impactful this program is. We’ve partnered with Markham Stouffville Hospital and this program for the past 10 years and we hope to continue to for a very long time.”

Bell emphasizes gratitude towards supporters to help future generations: “Thank you to School of Rock and all the students, teachers and families who continue to support this event year after year. It’s because of you, that our hospital can continue to advance health care excellence and innovation for future generations.”

For more information about ATLAS, visit https://www.oakvalleyhealth.ca/clinics-departments/mental-health/mental-health-services-for-children-and-adolescents/

Photo: School of Rock Markham will host its annual Band-Aid Fundraiser at Nineteen on the Park on May 31. (Photo courtesy of Calvin Basi)