A local musician is putting his love of music to good use.
Ryan Gartner has had a passion for music most of his life, but it wasn’t until late last year that he realized how his music could make a difference.
In November, Gartner was dining at Original Joe’s in Kensington when “Shawn”, a homeless man whom Gartner and his friends had been sharing food with, was told to leave the establishment.
Original Joe’s said Shawn was being disruptive, but in the days that followed the staff member involved was suspended and an investigation was launched. The company also released a statement claiming the incident was not reflective of the restaurant’s values.
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But Gartner says the issue is bigger than just this one incident.
“Whether someone is suspended or fired, that doesn’t help the situation of how homeless or underprivileged people are treated,” he says.
He now plans to donate all the proceeds from his latest EP to the Calgary Dream Centre; an organization that provides supportive housing for men in need.
“If we can give to those organizations who are not only feeding, but they’re housing, they’re helping them recover, they’re giving them life skills; that impacts the community on a greater scale,” he explains.
But even with this latest endeavour, Gartner says he still plans on buying a meal or two given the chance.
His album “While you sleep” is available on his website.
With files from Tracy Nagai.
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