A Song in her Heart

Nancy BradshawLeader, Joyfilled

Studiosjoyfilledmusic.com

by Catherine Tse

photo by Jaime Kowal

With a grandfather who was a pillar of social justice and a mother who encouraged her to find her own psychic centre, Nancy Bradshaw was destined to be a leader in social responsibility.

Her accomp-lishments in the business and non-profit arenas are impressive: she’s the founder of the socially and environmentally conscious gift store HOPE Unlimited, co-founder of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, and recipientof an Ethics in Action Award, to name a few.

Since becoming a mother, however, Bradshaw’s focus is more introspective. She’s become intensely aware of her daughter Faith’s ability to respond to love and joy. “If I can give this amazing environment to my own child to flourish and bloom, I can give it to others,” she says.

With local musicians Michael Creber and Beverley Elliott, Bradshaw created the CD Dream Child, which surrounds children with soothing music and loving affirmations as they fall asleep. She is now donating hundreds of the CDs, which retail for $14.95, to kids in need, through the Ministry of Children and Families and non-profits such as Camp Moomba and PACE.

Instead of focusing on the “anti-” issues, Joyfilled Studios emphasizes what should be added to children’s lives to make them stronger and happier. A new CD project and a book are now in the works.

“Fill these kids with love, a sense of meaning. When you have those things, you’re resourceful,” Bradshaw says. “They will learn to love and be kind to themselves and their friends.”