COVID-19 restrictions have prevented Bomaderry students from gathering for their weekly guitar group, but thanks to a generous donation, they can practice at home whenever they like.
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A Canberra-based veterans group, Soldier On, has donated six new guitars and two ukuleles to Bomaderry Public School students to pass on the gift of music.
Teacher at the school Kylie Meehan said the students were thrilled about the donation which means they can now practice at home, rather than for one hour once a week.
"All the kids who have received a guitar today have been learning guitar before COVID," she said.
"Now they'll have a guitar to actually take home and keep whereas before they were just using the ones from school.
"With all the restrictions it gives them something they can do and hopefully help them through all of this craziness at the moment."
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Ms Meehan said the guitar group has benefited students greatly by giving them a new skill and creative outlet.
"One of the students plays the instrument and he becomes more in control of his emotions," she said.
"It allows them to not worry about what's going on around them and just relax."
The idea to distribute guitars across the state to children in need came from Colin Greef, a veteran a part of the Soldier On music group.
After seeing how music can bring people together in his own group, he said he wanted to pass on the gift to students.
"Playing a guitar or any musical instrument just brings the children together," said Mr Greef.
"And not every child wants to play sport, they're into the arts, so it gives an opportunity to be a part of their own little group."
This isn't the first local donation from Soldier On, who visited schools across the South Coast last year to give instruments to students after the devastating impact of the Black Summer bushfires.
"Last year we came down and gave away about 50 guitars...to the kids who lost theirs in the fires," said Mr Greef.
Ms Meehan said last year's guitar donation from Soldier On inspired other students to join the guitar group.
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
