Singing Success
The Mamas & the Mamas is a local community choir in Boronia
Park, Sydney, founded in 2009 under the direction of Jenny Nylund.
Jenny teaches Choir at the local Primary School and upon hearing
how well the children sang, their Mums asked if she might teach
them too (as well as a few Papas).
The members of the group love singing together and sharing their
music with the community. They have an extensive repertoire of
songs, both acapella and accompanied, including popular songs,
African songs, and Irish folk songs. The Mamas sing with joy, heart
and soul and their lively and engaging performance style is
uplifting and inspiring.
Each year they hold a special charity fundraising
concert. This year their concert was held on Sunday
8th November at St Joseph's College Auditorium in
Hunters Hill. They had a full house (about 300 people) and even had
to bring in more chairs. The group generously raised funds for
Synapse by selling tickets at the door, running a raffle with
prizes donated by local businesses, and selling drinks after the
concert with delicious food provided by the choir members
themselves.
Each year they select a different charity to support and their
choice has several times been linked to the plight of a fellow
choir member. The first year they supported breast cancer research.
The next year it was Bear Cottage, as a member's baby was
terminally ill and the family spent a lot of time with their baby
in Bear Cottage, which is attached to the hospital. In other
years they have supported Juvenile Diabetes, Hamlin Fistula
Ethiopia, and Indigenous Literacy.
This year they chose Synapse because a choir member, Mamie,
experienced a brain aneurysm a year ago. Her brother also has a
brain injury and receives ongoing support from Synapse.
Mamie was able to speak about her experience of brain injury at
the concert. She spoke beautifully and gave an insight into the
invisible pain and ongoing challenges of individuals living with a
brain injury. Mamie spoke from the heart and her speech was very
moving. The group is glad to have her back singing with them
again.
The NSW State Manager also spoke about the work that Synapse
does.
The Choir group managed to raise an incredible $4,721 for
Synapse. On behalf of all our staff and our clients we would like
to say a big thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this
event happen. The funds raised will go towards providing assistance
and support to individuals and families in crisis.