TORONTO, ON (April 22, 2016) – As announced at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards in Calgary on April 2, ole, the world's fastest growing rights management company, is making a $100,000 contribution to MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). The contribution will support the MusiCounts Band Aid Program, which provides musical instruments and equipment to school music programs in need across the country. Since MusiCounts' establishment in 1997, over $9,000,000 has been awarded to help support music education in Canada. 

"We would like to extend our gratitude to Chairman & CEO Robert Ott and ole for their unprecedented contribution to MusiCounts," said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. "This is the first time that we have received such a substantial financial commitment from a publishing company and we thank them for their belief in the power of music education." 

At the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards, Gilles Godard, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Development at ole, introduced a video segment spotlighting the 2016 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award recipient, Don Bossé of Fredericton, NB. The video featured the sponsors and presenters of this year's award, RUSH, who are also one of the newest additions to the ole family. Godard took the opportunity to announce the company's major contribution. Click here to see the presentation by Godard. 

"At ole we understand the power of music. Sometimes music class and a great teacher can inspire a career and fuel dreams," said Godard. "ole believes in exceptional music education in order to inspire the next generation of great artists, creative thinkers and industry leaders. ole is proud to contribute $100,000 to assist MusiCounts." 

About MusiCounts 

MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) is helping to keep music alive across Canada. MusiCounts' mission is to ensure that children in Canada, regardless of socio-economic circumstances or cultural background, have access to music programs through their schools and communities. This is achieved through the Band Aid Program, the TD Community Music Program, the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, Scholarships and other music education initiatives. Since MusiCounts' establishment in 1997, nearly $9,000,000 will have been awarded to help support music education in Canada. These funds will have benefitted over 850 schools and communities from coast to coast, supported over 350 post-secondary music program graduates and honoured 11 extraordinary music teachers through the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award. MusiCounts is funded by many of Canada's most dedicated corporate citizens including and especially Bell Media, TD Bank Group, SiriusXM Canada, the Slaight Family Foundation, Music Canada, ole, Vista Radio, the Hot Topic Foundation and Morningstar Canada. MusiCounts has been supported since inception by Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., Universal Music Canada, Warner Music Canada Ltd., JUNO Songwriters' Circle and JUNO Cup. 

For more information, visit www.musicounts.ca. 

Twitter: @MusiCounts 
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