TORONTO, January 22, 2019 – Beanfield Metroconnect, a local and independent fibre-optic telecom, has donated $10,000 to the critical at-risk youth program, Sistema Toronto. With the Government of Ontario’s decision to pull $500,000 in essential funding promised to Sistema Toronto, Beanfield’s donation will go towards ensuring youth in high-risk neighbourhoods stay on the right track through music education.
With this funding cut, many of the 275 students and their families who rely on Sistema Toronto for a brighter future, risked losing out on this life-changing program. As the parent of an 11-year-old Sistema student stated: “I need Kiara to be in Sistema and working on her viola. Her friends are already joining up with gangs and asking her to go with them. I need her with you so she has a chance for an education and a future.”
Sistema’s life-changing impact is a remarkable one. Students who take part in their programs are 25 percent more likely to achieve high scores on standardized testing than students not in Sistema, placing them on a path to better education, a reduction in poverty and an escape from youth violence.
It’s no wonder Beanfield Metroconnect, a local telecom with a conscience, and focus on innovation and social responsibility, felt compelled to donate to this most worthy cause.
“When we first learned about Sistema Toronto and all that they do for at-risk children and their families through music, we didn’t hesitate to reach out and lend a helping hand,” says President and Co-Founder of Beanfield, Chris Amendola. “We’re all for supporting our local community initiatives especially when it comes to our youth—that’s what Sistema is doing here and it’s important that we get to play a part in that. Better yet, to help Sistema continue to be able to provide life-altering opportunities to kids that need it most.”
With additional funding cuts looming, this time to Sistema’s nutritional program, Beanfield’s donation will help alleviate the impact of that loss and more. Half of their $10,000 will go towards providing students with instruments to learn on, expert teaching staff, daily snacks, and support workers. The remainder of their contribution will provide t-shirts for students to wear during performances.
“We are so grateful for Beanfield’s support of Sistema Toronto students and families. It’s important for Sistema kids to know that there are people in their community that support their hard work and are rooting for their success. This funding came at a crucial time for Sistema
Toronto, as we’re still recovering from the funding cut, we experienced in the fall and doing all we can to keep the commitment we made to the 275 kids we work with. We’re so glad Beanfield shares our belief in the importance of supporting vulnerable communities and can’t thank them enough for their generosity,” says Christie Gray, Executive Director, Sistema Toronto.
To learn how you can support Sistema, go to www.sistema-toronto.ca/support-us
About Sistema Toronto
Sistema Toronto provides free after-school music and social development programming to 275 at-risk children in neighborhoods with some of Toronto’s highest child poverty rates. Students work together for 10 hours per week in orchestras, percussion ensembles, and choirs. Sistema students and families come from diverse backgrounds – most are low-income, many are single-parent families, some are new Canadians, some are in the foster care system, or have faced other traumas. Sistema Toronto works with students and their families to develop trust, confidence, and a sense of community. Through music education, children and their families are empowered to overcome the challenges they face and become leaders in their communities. For more information, visit www.sistema-toronto.ca
About Beanfield Metroconnect
Beanfield Metroconnect installs, owns and operates the largest private fibre-optic network in Toronto. We are not a reseller, nor do we rely on other provider’s networks. We pride ourselves on bringing exceptional speed and outstanding customer service. Beanfield was founded in 1988. We are a privately held and 100% Canadian owned and operated company, providing comprehensive telecom services to over 700 commercial and residential buildings. We also operate four data centres and are facilities-based, maintaining and managing our own in-house construction and fibre maintenance teams. Beanfield’s residential services include Fibre-to-the-suite Internet, TV and Home Phone. Business services include Fibre Internet, Business Phone, TV, Cloud Exchange, Private Line and Colocation. For more information, visit http://www.beanfield.com www.beanfield.com
Media Contact
Emily Wilchesky | emily@punchcanada.com | 647-837-1260
