REGINA — A rock band made up of Regina business and community leaders is stepping onto the stage this week with one goal: helping young people feel seen, supported and connected.
YMCA of Regina is bringing back its annual Music for the Mind fundraiser Friday night at the Conexus Arts Centre, combining live music, dinner, dancing and storytelling in support of youth mental health and mentorship programming across Regina, Moose Jaw and surrounding communities.
Now in its third year, the event has already raised more than $97,000 for YMCA youth wellness initiatives, helping fund programs focused on mentorship, leadership development, resilience and mental health support for young people.
“This is our third annual this year and it's a fundraising event that supports our mentorship programming and our youth mental health programming,” said Steve Compton, CEO of the YMCA of Regina.
The evening is presented in partnership with AGT Foods, Harvard Media and Sherwood Co-op.
At the centre of the night is The Garage Band, a local supergroup made up of prominent Saskatchewan leaders who volunteer their time and talent to support community causes.
The lineup includes Compton himself alongside Murad Al-Katib of AGT Foods, former Regina mayor Michael Fougere, Brad Vance of AGT Foods and Frank Hart.
“And we play some classic rock and have a little bit of fun and hopefully it'll encourage people to get up and dance a little bit and support a good cause,” Compton said.
The band originally came together during fundraising efforts for a PET scanner campaign at Pasqua Hospital and has continued performing for charitable causes throughout Regina ever since.
But behind the music is a deeper message about the growing need for youth support services in Saskatchewan communities.
“As one of the longest-serving charities proudly serving Moose Jaw, Regina and surrounding communities, the YMCA continues to respond to the growing needs of youth through mental health support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities,” Compton said.
Throughout the evening, organizers say guests will also hear directly from mentors and YMCA program partners about the impact these services are having on young people in the community.
The YMCA’s mentorship initiatives are designed to help youth build confidence, relationships and coping skills while creating safe spaces where young people can feel connected and supported.
Organizers say the need continues to grow as more youth struggle with isolation, stress, anxiety and barriers to accessing support.
“This support for these programs is accomplished through fundraising events just like the one on May 29th,” Compton said.
The evening itself is meant to balance purpose with celebration — part fundraiser, part concert, part community gathering.
“It’s a great evening out,” Compton said. “The Conexus Arts Centre staff and team do a great job. It’s a little bit of fun for a good cause.”
And as the guitars plug in and the lights go up Friday night, Compton says the mission behind the music remains simple:
“Music for the Mind is an opportunity for our community to come together and invest directly in the potential and well-being of young people.”
