The Rock Guitar Shelter (RGS) opened in early 2011 and is currently in the process of attaining registered non-profit status. The operation is currently mobile and we are looking to find a more permanent location.
Our Mission
RGS is a unique Calgary-based organization dedicated to bringing the gift of music to underprivileged youth and children by providing them with donated guitars and music lessons.
At the RGS, we believe in the pursuit of musical training not only for the enjoyment it provides, but also as a necessary educational gift to all ages. Benefits include:
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Developing a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (ability to see mental pictures of things accurately)
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Improving language and reasoning skills
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Improving creative thinking and problem solving abilities
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Providing a healthy means by which children express themselves
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Teaching young people discipline and evaluating risk-taking
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Developing a sense of achievement
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Raising self-esteem
To facilitate these benefits, we:
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Accept donated guitars and other musical instruments and re-gift them to qualified children and youth
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Assist children and youth in learning about their instrument including restoration and maintenance
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Teach children and youth how to play guitar
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Provide a sound stage on which children and youth can edit, mix, and record their music
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Provide a safe, drug-free environment for children and youth to form new friendships and share their love of music
History
From approximately 1998 to 2011, Mr. J.R. Fleet (JR) ran a hugely successful and award-
winning contracting business. However, despite his success, JR felt he had not yet achieved everything he wanted to in life. When his father and mentor passed away suddenly in early 2011, JR made the bold decision to leave behind what he was good at and follow a dream - “to do something with music and kids.” In particular, he wanted to assist families and youths living in difficult circumstances who were unable to afford guitar or music lessons. Music saved JR's life when he was a troubled youth and he wanted to bring the gift of music to as many young people as possible. From this arose the Rock Guitar Shelter.
RGS was modelled after the old-school garage bands common in the late 1960s and early 1970s which had given rise to rock and roll icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Its gaily painted exterior attracted attention and drew people in. For 17 months, JR reconditioned and re-furbished guitars. During this period he donated in excess of 700 guitars and other related musical gear, and gave lessons to over 100 children. He hosted bands and jam sessions, took part in other community-related events, and put on fun events such as face-painting and modelling shoots for the children and youth that came to the shelter. Beneficiaries of his largesse included individual children, adults who brought music to children through their own volunteer activities, and other institutions and charities, including, but not limited to:
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Heart and Stroke Foundation
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Cerebral Palsy Association
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MS Society
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ALS Association
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Kids Up Front
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United Way
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Alberta Children’s Hospital
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Third Academy School for Special Needs Children
In April 2012, a by-law issue forced the Rock Guitar Shelter out of its premises on 17th Ave. NW. This temporary set-back fuelled the development of our current mobile outreach program, which aims to bring the benefits of the old Rock Guitar Shelter to the people of Calgary.
What We've Done
To date, we've:
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Received donations of over 650 guitars
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Delivered over 1100 guitars to deserving children and youth
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Provided countless lessons to deserving children and youth
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Supported community charities and fundraisers
We Need YOU
Moving forward, the RGS is looking to lease a building for one year. We envision the new space housing a luthering station, recording facility, stage with lighting, and sound system. In addition to this space, the mobile events trailer will continue to act as community outreach. Here's how the funds will be used:
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$30,000 – building rent for one year (including utilities)
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$30,000 – retrofit building space for lessons and sound studios
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$12,000 – salary for part time administration staff and stipends for volunteers
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$3,000 – office expenses
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$2,000 – miscellaneous expenses
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$8,000 – IndieGoGo campaign
Each youth who comes to the RGS receives, on average, benefits in excess of $1000 comprised of donated instruments ($200-$2000), occasional amps, and guitar lessons (about $100/month). By supporting our campaign, we can continue to ensure that hundreds of youths continue to receive these benefits.
No Funds? No Problem!
There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference aside from donating to this campaign:
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Become a role model
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Serve on the RGS board
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Promote us in mainstream media
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Connect us with artists and musicians
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Support us through social media
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Donate an instrument
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Volunteer your time and expertise
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Visit us
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Get the word out about our campaign!
Testimonial
Maureen Armstrong, a member of a prominent Toronto law firm, made a generous PayPal donation and wrote to say: “Thank you so much for starting such a wonderful organization. You are doing amazing things in Calgary, and I have no doubt that someday, we will have you to thank for one of the world's great guitarists. My fiancee and I have just made a donation through PayPal, and I wanted to let you know that our donation is in memory of Robert Druzeta, a friend who passed away last week after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was the lead guitarist in our band, and an incredible musician (not to mention a first-class human being). He loved music, particularly rock and metal, and he would have really appreciated what you are bringing to the lives of Calgary kids.”