Music students raise their voices and funds for Kenya

When Shawn Wiseman heard about communities in Kenya working to improve access to clean water, he knew he wanted to get on board.  

At 63, Wiseman has dedicated his life to music. Since the age of 15, he has performed with his brother, played at weddings, conventions and festivals, and recorded solo music. His passion for music led him to open his own teaching studio and become the leader of a youth choir at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Gander, Newfoundland.

Wiseman hosts two annual concerts at the cathedral featuring choristers and students: a Christmas show and a spring concert. The Christmas performance features traditional hymns, classic carols and festive favourites like “Frosty the Snowman.” The spring concert offers a broader selection, incorporating pop and country hits, as well as traditional Newfoundland music. Both events draw a wide audience and provide students with the opportunity to experience performing in a professional setting while contributing to a meaningful cause.

A few years ago, Wiseman heard about Alongside Hope (then PWRDF) and its partner, Utooni Development Organization, who builds shallow wells to provide safe water in Kenya through conversations with Sheila Boutcher, an Alongside Hope Diocesian representative for Newfoundland. As someone rooted in faith and service, the mission of Alongside Hope resonated with him. He saw the value in giving back and felt compelled to support the effort to provide clean water to those in need. Through ticket sales and donations, Wiseman and his students have raised an impressive $22,500 towards the project, enough to build 9 wells. Knowing that his concerts contribute to such a life-changing cause has strengthened his commitment to fundraising efforts.

For Wiseman, the concerts are about more than just raising funds; they are about instilling a spirit of generosity in his students. He wants them to understand the true joy of giving and to see the difference they can make in the world. “The reward of seeing students and audience members engaged in something meaningful makes it all worthwhile,” he says.

Wiseman has no plans to stop hosting these concerts. Currently, he is preparing for the spring concert in June. Most of his students are between the ages of 6 and 18, and he takes pride in offering them a platform to showcase their talents while contributing to an important cause. His goal is to leave behind a legacy of generosity and community service, demonstrating that even small local efforts can create a global impact.

He extends a heartfelt thank-you to all the students who have participated in the concerts over the past 12 years, as well as to St. Martin’s Cathedral for providing the space to hold these events. His mission is not only to raise funds but to inspire young people to appreciate the power of giving back.

Utooni Development Organization (UDO)

Alongside Hope partner Utooni Development Organization (UDO), is a Kenyan NGO whose mission is to address water scarcity, soil erosion, land degradation and hunger. Their work includes constructing shallow wells, sand dams which filter the water, and implementing conservation agriculture.

The shallow wells project, supported by Alongside Hope, is crucial in improving water access in Makueni and Machakos Counties. These wells, constructed beside sand dams, ensure a sustainable water supply, significantly reducing waterborne diseases. The project also includes the installation of water storage tanks to reduce travel time to access clean water, as well as the distribution of donkeys to help families carry more water. The wells are equipped with hand pumps as well as solar-powered pumps. UDO has provided clean and safe drinking water to over 44,760 direct beneficiaries and nearly a million indirect beneficiaries. They also provide training on hygiene, sanitation and sustainable agricultural practices to improve community resilience.