The Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund was formed in 1994 through the efforts of Bernadette Kutarna, Doug Ramsay, Susan Summers, and Colleen Purdon. Fran Herman became chair in May 1995 and John Marshall, then producer of the New Music at MuchMusic, joined the Trust Fund board. Awareness grew and the need for funding became paramount. Support from the Canadian music industry was astounding.

Over the years, activities have included celebrity auctions, motorcycle rides up to Whistler, marathons, and benefit concerts.

With the help of Michael Cohl, Rolling Stones’ former manager, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and other donors, Fran opened the Music Therapy Centre in 2001. As a street-front facility in Toronto, it houses the national office of the Trust Fund and also provides music therapy services for the Toronto community.

Now, under the leadership of Wanda Gascho-White, the Canadian Music Therapy Trust Fund looks forward to new partnerships, programs and increasing awareness of this ever-essential work.