On May 12th, the evenko foundation came to the nation's capital to donate $30,000 worth of musical instruments to the Université des jeux(nes) musiciens (UJM) of Laval University.  
 
The new fleet of instruments donated by the evenko foundation, consisting of pianos, electronic drum sets, guitars and violins, will allow more young people to participate in the Université des jeux(nes) musiciens' music education program.  
 
For Francis Dubé, director and founder of the UJM, the evenko foundation's donation will also have a major impact on the qualitý of the training of young people at the Université́ des jeux(nes) musiciens:  
 
"They will now have access to high-qualitý musical instruments. This gift will also have a real impact on their motivation to continue their musical learning, as they will receive a new instrument more in line with their musical progress, while rewarding, at the same time, their musical commitment."  
 
 
The children in attendance were also treated to a second major surprise during this special activity with a visit from singer-songwriter Patrice Michaud, a Laval University graduate and former high school teacher. 
 
He took the time to discuss music with the young people and was generous enough to play a few pieces from his musical repertoire to the great pleasure of everyone!  
 
"I'm really happy to be able to support the evenko foundation in this musical education project that encourages social diversity. I studied at Laval University, and it warms my heart to be able to go back there and see the next generation of musicians," said Patrice Michaud. 
 
"This project particularly appealed to us at the evenko foundation because it is offered to many children from different backgrounds who often have very little contact with musical instruments, and yet could benefit from the many advantages of music education in terms of both cognitive and social development. The instantaneous success of the program's enrollment, coupled with an international partnership for pedagogy, confirmed that we must support the instigators of the UJM program to ensure its sustainability. The UJM program is a perfect fit with the mission and values of the foundation," says Nathalie Roberge, executive director of the evenko foundation.