More children from urban renewal areas can now learn to play a musical instrument or even participate in band performances.

Staying true to its commitment, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday donated $20,000 worth of equipment to the Urban Renewal Marching Band.

BTC’s Senior Manager of Public Relations, Jerome Sawyer said Wednesday’s presentation solidifies his company’s commitment to community.

“We know that music really is the expression of life. Through music, many young people are able to achieve their dreams whether they continue in this particular work or go on to do something greater, but certainly the discipline that goes along with playing an instrument, the joy that comes from being in a band and performing for people and the many invitations that this band gets around the country and the excitement that it brings is certainly what BTC is all about,” Mr. Sawyer said.

“We believe in helping. We believe in aiding young people to achieve their dreams.”

BTC CEO, Geoff Houston applauded urban renewal as well as the humanitarian efforts of the men and women who actively work the programmes and seek to better the inner city areas.

“BTC recognizes that a country’s success is based on the welfare and advancement of its people and inner city communities often struggle with the pressure, the effects of urban sprawl. So, worthy organizations such as urban renewal deserve thanks and as much recognition and support from corporate Bahamas as possible,” Mr. Houston said in a release.

BTC’s donation comes at a time when there are some 600 youngsters with 400 instruments in the Urban Renewal Band, a significant jump from where the organization was only a year ago.

At that time, there were only 25 members, according to Co-chair of the Urban Renewal Programme, Algernon Allen.

But this is not the first time BTC has donated to urban renewal.

The company launched the programme’s basketball league and is in the process of completing the Coconut Grove Heroes Park.

The park officially opens at the end of August.

The ceremony will be a rededication and unveiling of the Heroes Wall; a tribute to prominent Bahamians born and raised in Coconut Grove, who have contributed in a meaningful way to the development of The Bahamas.

Career Builders renovated the park free of charge.