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Our Canada

10 hrs ·

Hi, OC editor Gary here, sharing a little piece of inspiration with you—especially for all you talented Canadians out there, honing your artistic abilities and trying to make a difference in this world of ours. The inspiration comes in the form of a country & western singer, songwriter and musician who hails from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan—Mr. Donny Parenteau. Donny’s story is a rags-to-riches tale, with a twist. He was born into a Métis family living on the edge of poverty, and endured a lot of bullying and racial slurs while growing up. But Donny’s mom, Hazel, quietly instilled in him that, no matter what people said about him or what the family’s financial situation or social status might be, he could achieve anything he set his mind to. Music had been in Donny’s life since early childhood and when he first picked up a guitar at school as a 12-year-old, and then, at 14, came across an old family fiddle tucked away under a bed, he set his mind on becoming a musician. At 24, he performed on the fabled Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville for the first time, as a member of legendary country star Neil McCoy’s band. How he got there is quite the story, but for Donny, that night became the launching pad for a long and distinguished career, doing what he loves. He went on to earn a plethora of music nominations and awards in the U.S. and Canada, and eventually become a solo artist in his own right. And he’s still at it!

The twist? Even in the early days as he was pursuing his dream, Donny gave back to his community in a meaningful way, by taking his “anti-bullying” message to schools throughout Western Canada. He is still presenting his “Bully Free Zone” program and inspirational message to young Canadians today, as he continues to share his musical gifts with a wildly appreciative fan base. Catch Donny’s full story, in his own words, in the upcoming December-January issue of Our Canada.

PHOTO: 24-year-old Donny Parenteau (playing fiddle) on stage for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry.

Do you have a talent or a worthy cause that you would like to share with your fellow Canadians? Write to us at http:///www.ourcanada.ca/. If selected for publication, you will receive a free copy of the issue in which your submission appears and a free one-year gift subscription.