Vance Joy revealed a new charitable initiative to Billboard on Wednesday (Aug. 1) called Ukuleles for Kids. The musician teamed up with ukulele brand Kala and MyMusicRx — the flagship program of the Children’s Cancer Association — to kick off his new program, bringing the instruments to children in hospitals.
“I remember hearing a beautiful story about George Harrison driving around in his car, handing out instruments to people,” Joy said in a statement. “I’ve always wanted to emulate that idea and what better way than giving the gift of instruments and music lessons to young children who are fighting terminal diseases. My heart goes out to these kids and their families.”
Joy himself will film video lessons hosted by MyMusicRx, teaching the notes to songs including his own “Riptide” and latest single “Saturday Sun.” Kala will donate plastic, hospital-sanitary ukuleles, encouraging patients to learn how to play.
Children’s hospitals across the United States can opt into donation throughout the month of August, and in September, National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, ukuleles and lessons will be delivered to hospitals that have chosen to participate in the program.