Candice shares her inspiring song story with Salvos
Candice shares her inspiring song story with Salvos
2 May 2017
The Fairhaven choir singing Soldiers at the launch of the Brisbane Red Shield Appeal on 29 March.
“I’ve never been a singer, but being part of this choir has helped me get out of my comfort zone, made me feel important and part of a community,” said Kim. “It’s been good for my own journey and good for my relationships with others. Candice is amazing.”
Kim is part of a choir at The Salvation Army Gold Coast Recovery Services - Fairhaven, that has been rehearsing to sing at the Gold Coast launch of the Red Shield Appeal (RSA) on 11 May.
Candice Dianna, Ambassador for the Queensland and Northern NSW Red Shield Appeal, is leading the choir. Candice is an award-winning Gold Coast singer/songwriter and music producer who featured in the 2014 season of The Voice Australia as a member of Team Kylie.
The choir will be singing Candice’s song Soldiers – written by Candice after the death of her father – to inspire and uplift people struggling through difficult times.
"Practices are going well and the last time Candice sang in chapel with the choir it was very moving, so we are looking forward to that same moment at the breakfast on the 11 May,” said Major David Rogerson, Manager, Gold Coast Recovery Services – Fairhaven.
Candice also formed a choir from the residents of Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah), who sang Soldiers at the Brisbane RSA launch on 29 March.
Candice introduces the Moonyah Choir at the launch of the Brisbane RSA.
“The singing is motivating the residents, bringing some to tears, and helping them feel significant and cared about, which they are,” said Candice. “We have focused on what they want to learn, as well as what they’d like to talk about, and how what they are doing in these places is really changing their lives.”
As part of her work as RSA ambassador, Candice has been participating in behind-the-scenes filming with The Salvation Army as she meets volunteers, employees, clients and residents from Brisbane Streetlevel Mission, Youth Outreach Mission, God’s Sports Arena, and Pindari Services – sharing her own story of struggle and tough times, listening to residents, and performing Soldiers and other songs to inspire people through music.
“It’s not just about music though,” said Candice. “Music isn’t enough. I want to hear more about their about their stories and get to know the people and what they’re going through.
“Working with the people I’ve met has increased my hope in humanity and has just been inspiring. They are so willing to try to turn their lives around, are so non-judgmental, and I don’t think they realise just how inspirational and special they are.
“The people in the centres, and those working with them are so much kinder than anyone out on the street. I’ve been on this earth for 30 years and have never come across such kind, caring, selfless, non-judgmental people that would give you the shirt off their back.
“It’s amazing to see this work being done and the lives that are totally changed because of it.”
Envoy Bill Hunter, who leads The Salvation Army's God's Sports Arena church, spoke of Candice's inspirational singing and strong faith journey. "Our people related to her so well, and she prayed with a number of them, who really appreciated it," he said.
Stephen Stein, Queensland Fundraising Manager for The Salvation Army, agrees. "Candice has given us a quality presentation for our functions and the song has reached into the hearts of all who have been able to sing it, giving them strength and hope for the future," he said.
“I will miss this work when it’s over, but I will keep in touch,” she said. “Moving forward, I will be focusing on helping others through my record label, Pentagon Records, but the people I have met at The Salvation Army and the work they do, will always be a part of me.
Soldiers is available on iTunes.
For more information, go to candicedianna.com
Comments
Thank you, Candice for all that you are doing to encourage and skill people who are in recovery.
These folk will have a greater awareness of God in their lives because you have cared, and dared to show His love.