Ryerson students got to enjoy some tunes April 11 courtesy of their talented peers from Musicians@Ryerson.
The group played everything from Jessie J to Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift at their annual third annual Buskerfest.
The event allows Musicians@Ryerson the opportunity to give back to the community by giving the money they raise to a local charity.
Musicians@Ryerson president Victor Copetti said the group originally wanted to raise money for their own club, but thought why not use the event to raise money for a local charity instead.
“We looked around for a charity nearby, close to Ryerson that would help people near the school and potentially youth, and we found Covenant House,” Copetti said.
Covenant House Toronto is located at 20 Gerrard St. E., directly across from Ryerson’s campus. They provide care for at-risk and homeless youth, ages 16 to 24, through education, healthcare, shelter, and food services.
Rose Cino, the communications manager at Covenant House, said “we rely on donors for 80 per cent of our $22.8-million budget so we’re grateful for every contribution. We also have a long and valued relationship with Ryerson and it is gratifying to see students who want to support their homeless peers.”
Musicians@Ryerson raised $180 for the charity last year, and this year raised $83.10. Copetti says it is possibly due to the fact the event was held at the end of the school year when students tend to have less money.
“It was also a little cold and dreary, and students had a lot of final projects and very little time, so I don’t think people really wanted to take time to stop and listen,” Copetti said in an email.
Copetti said the group will do this event next year, but possibly in September when the weather is warmer and students aren’t as busy.
The group is hosting their last event of this school year, Open Mic Night, April 13 from 8 p.m to 11 p.m. at the Ram in the Rye.