HEDDY SOROUR
PERTH — Up-and-coming Canadian musician Landon Bedor is using his talent to make a difference. The 19-year-old has partnered with Pivotal Help to raise funds for youth mental health counselling through a special event called Chords for Change.
A lifelong music lover, Bedor picked up the guitar at age nine and began song writing by 12. Today, he works at YAK Youth Services in Perth as an activity leader.
“I plan music and after-school sports activities,” he said.
Mental health and music have always held a special place in his heart. Combining the two felt like a natural next step.
“This is an event I really believe in, and I feel fortunate to be hosting it on August 2,” said Bedor.
Chords for Change will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 at the Perth Civitan Club, in partnership with YAK Youth Services.
The venue became available thanks to a generous offer from a community member.
“A client of mine, who had booked the Civitan for their wedding, chose another location and offered up the Civitan to Pivotal Help for a fundraiser, and the timing was perfect,” said Veronica Felizardo, chief operating officer at Pivotal Help.
Pivotal Help is a Smiths Falls-based non-profit that provides immediate counselling support by connecting qualifying individuals to certified local counsellors. The organization helps bridge the gap for those facing long wait times for OHIP-funded services or who are otherwise unable to access timely care.
“The money raised at this fundraiser will go to funding counselling services for youth in the Perth and Smiths Falls communities,” said Breanna Bedor, executive director of Pivotal Help.
While the group has received some grant support from the Town of Perth and Lanark County, it does not receive consistent funding.
“Constant sustainable funding is our goal, but in the meantime, there are a lot of third-party fundraisers that provide some sustainability,” Felizardo added. The goal is to provide funded counselling services for five people per month—eventually increasing to ten—providing around eight sessions per individual. Achieving this will require sustainable funding.
Anyone is welcome to host a fundraiser on behalf of Pivotal Help. Applications can be submitted via the organization’s website.
“Our goal is to service all of Lanark County, and we’re already in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place and Lanark Village. Our next community will be Almonte,” said Felizardo.
Tickets for Chords for Change are $30 and can be purchased in person at Central Perth – Smoothie and Coffee Bar, 22 Gore St. E., or online via e-transfer to pivotalhelp@gmail.com.
The evening will feature live music by Bedor.
“I love every type of music, so I draw on everything, but if you have to put me into a genre, I’d say country. I draw inspiration from all over the place,” he said.
Two opening acts will kick off the show: a talented foursome of siblings, all under age 12, and sibling duo Amelia and Caleb Marshal.
Guests will also enjoy a small silent auction, an MC, guest speakers, snacks, and a mocktail.
Chords for Change is proudly sponsored by Green Acres Greenhouses & Landscaping, Perth Parkside Inn & Spa, and Aruma – Mental & Emotional Health Services.
