In a community where talent is abundant, the LINC Youth Centre is positioning itself as a hub for young musicians, as a result of several recent donations from residents of the Comox Valley.

Franc Charpentier, a local guitarist from Union Bay, decided to donate his late son鈥檚 bass guitar to the LINC Centre. The donation is in memory of Edd Charpentier, who passed away suddenly in October.

鈥淚 am hoping that this guitar, which meant so much to Edd, will bring happiness to other young musicians 鈥� especially if they can鈥檛 afford an instrument of their own at this point,鈥� says Franc. 鈥淚t will be a living tribute, rather than sitting in a closet doing nobody any good.鈥�

In addition to donating the guitar, Charpentier has offered to teach bass guitar lessons to youth.

On top of the memorial donation, other musical equipment was donated to the LINC thanks to the recent Grill and Chill event. This equipment will allow youth to develop skills, practise and ultimately perform, with the LINC Centre being a prime venue for youth shows.

鈥淲e are very grateful for such generosity in the community to encourage music among our youth,鈥� says Kathy Collins, youth services co-ordinator at the LINC in Courtenay. 鈥淎s soon as we get the drum kit, young people can assemble entire bands and practise in our meeting room.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very exciting to know this equipment will make it feasible for us to host a Battle of the Bands during Youth Week,鈥� which is May 1 to 7, with details coming later this year.

For those seeking more information about accessing the instruments, donating additional instruments, or interest in the Battle of the Bands, contact Collins at 250-334-8138, extension 223.

鈥� LINC

Youth Centre