The BigDay Foundation is the charitable arm of BigDay, established as our way of spreading joy to those in need of a little music therapy by gifting them with a custom song.

Do you know someone who would love a custom song written for them? Do you know a wonderful person, charity or company that supports a great cause or has a meaningful story that should be celebrated? Email us at foundation@bigdaymusic.ca and tell us about your special candidate and why you want to nominate them. BigDay selects two winning submissions every year and notifies winning recipients by email. All submissions will be kept on file for consideration throughout the calendar year.

Thanks for helping us celebrate one another through song – we look forward to hearing from you!

2020 Nominee #1: Donna Britten

This song was gifted to the family of Donna Britten to celebrate a beautiful life well-lived and Donna’s lifetime legacy of volunteerism and advocacy. Donna passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 24th, 2020 after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Donna was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and made a difference in thousands of lives. She was President and board member of Community Living Toronto, the Association’s representative on the Developmental Services Council of Ontario, and a loving mother to her own son with special needs. In 2017, Donna received the Annie Oliver Award for her outstanding contributions to the work of Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS). Donna truly embodied her favourite quote “You make a living by what you get and make a life by what you give.”

Donna taught those around her to be confident, to trust in themselves and to relentlessly follow their dreams. A proud mother of three and grandmother to four grandchildren, Donna’s nearest and dearest always knew how truly and deeply they were loved and “Auntie Donna Loves You” was her go-to affirmation to her family. 

Donna was an exceptional communicator, leader and passionate teacher and was an educator both inside and outside the classroom. She loved spending time at her cottage on Big Bald Lake, where she spent 50 years lakeside hosting countless family and friends. She lived each day with an immensely grateful spirit and constantly reminded those around her to practice gratitude and view every day as a big one.