RBC Kicks off JUNO Week with a $15,000 donation to MusiCounts to support
music education

ST. JOHN'S, April 15 /CNW/ - RBC Foundation today announced a $15,000 donation to MusiCounts, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' (CARAS) music education program, to fund the organization's work to nurture and support music programs for young Canadians across the country and to help kick off JUNO Week in St. John's.

"We're proud to support the efforts of organizations that help make a difference in our communities and to the lives of young people," said Sean Munro, RBC Regional Vice-President for Newfoundland & Labrador, who credits his passion for playing guitar to participating in a school band program from grade six through high school in Bedford, N.S. "Music education inspires our kids to be creative, work together and have fun."

Melanie Berry, President and CEO, CARAS and MusiCounts, acknowledged the contribution at Larkhall Academy, where MusiCounts presented Susan Lee, the school's music teacher, with a 2009-2010 MusiCounts BandAid grant to buy new instruments for students.

"We are so appreciative of RBC's continued involvement in MusiCounts and their generous donation again this year," said Melanie Berry. "With commitments from sponsors such as RBC, we will be able to sustain and grow MusiCounts' ability to support schools in need across Canada."

MusiCounts, the music education charity of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is helping keep music alive in schools across Canada. In partnership with Canada's music industry, media and business communities, MusiCount's mission is to ensure that children in Canada have access to a comprehensive music program through their school. MusiCounts includes musical instrument grants, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives.

About RBC

RBC believes in building prosperity by contributing to the communities in which we live and work. We are now one of Canada's largest corporate donors, and we support a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2009, RBC contributed more than $105 million to community causes worldwide. As a founding member of Imagine Canada, RBC is committed to donating at least one per cent of our average annual net income before taxes. For more information, please see rbc.com/donations and rbc.com/responsibility.

About MusiCounts

MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), is helping to keep music alive in schools across Canada. MusiCounts' mission is to ensure that children in Canada have access to a comprehensive music program through their school. MusiCounts includes BandAid musical instrument grants, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, scholarships and other music education initiatives. MusiCounts is supported by various initiatives such as the JUNO Award nominee compilation CD; annual contributions by CTVglobemedia; EMI Music Canada Inc.; Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.; Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada Ltd.; as well as Songwriters' Circle sponsored by CMPA and SOCAN; Juno Cup sponsored by The Keg Steakhouse and Bar; and individual and corporate contributions, including Astral Media, Baldwin Pianos, Bob FM, Corus Entertainment, The RBC Foundation, Rogers Broadcasting Ltd., The Shore 104 FM, and SIRIUS Canada Inc. Since the Program's establishment in 1997, over $3 and a half million has been donated impacting 214 post secondary music program graduates and over 250,000 individual students, their schools and communities, from coast to coast. MusiCounts has also honoured five extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. For more information, please visit: www.musicounts.ca.

For further information: Media Contacts: RBC, Lori Smith, [phone], [email protected]; MusiCounts, Katherine Holmes, [phone], [email protected]