Through the Slaight Family Foundation, Gary Slaight has contributed over $750,000 over 11 remarkable years. His contributions have helped 54 schools in the Greater Toronto Area and First Nations communities in Ontario purchase instruments and deliver culturally-relevant music programming to thousands of students.

“Now with issues around the covid-19 pandemic and learning from home, music is more valuable and provides the kids an outlet to express themselves and connect beyond the virtual world. Music helps unlock a new universe for young people, just as it did for me in my early years. To me it’s very important. Music and a knowledge of music brings prosperity and vibrancy to our communities.”

To amplify Gary Slaight’s impact, three schools were each given $10,000 MusiCounts Band Aid Grants in his name. Gary’s contributions were honoured at the 2021 JUNO Opening Night Awards, and he was awarded a JUNO Award statuette.