An evening of multi-faith music can save hundreds of lives

(February 11, 2010) – An evening of multi-faith music will raise awareness and funds for malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sounds of the Soul: An Evening of Multi-Faith Music will take place on Wednesday, February 24 at 7:15 p.m in Great Hall, Hart House, University of Toronto

For many people in Canada, mosquitoes are a symbol of summer: an itchy nuisance at the park or around the camp fire.

But for millions of people around the world, mosquitoes are deadly and carry a disease responsible for one million deaths every year.

Certain types of mosquitoes found in many countries transmit a one cell parasite called Plasmodium which causes malaria, a disease of the blood.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly hard hit – suffering from 90% of all malaria fatalities.

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes usually strike at night, between 10pm and 4am.

Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net has been shown to reduce malaria transmission by at least 50 per cent and the mortality of children under five by up to 25 per cent.

A simple solution and a huge impact: 1 Net. 10 Bucks. Save Lives

Sounds of the Soul: An Evening of Multi-Faith Music event has a potential to raise over $4000.

This will be matched personally by Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair making $8000.

That is 800 bed nets saving over 800 lives.

EVENT INFO:

WHAT: Sounds of the Soul: An Evening of Multi-Faith Music (featuring music by the Bhakti Yoga Club, First Nations House, Ismaili Youth Choir, Mutamba Rainos, Varsity Jews and UofT Gospel Choir)

WHERE: Great Hall, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto

WHEN: Wednesday, February 24 at 7:15 p.m.

TICKETS: $6 for students and $15 for general admission. Visit www.uofttix.ca or call 416-978-8849 for tickets.

For more information on the event, please contact Richard Chambers, U of T Multi-Faith Centre at 416-946-3119