Instrument Lenders

About Us

Our Mission

Our Vision

Our Direction

Building on Our Successes

We have identified key priorities to strengthen our ability to connect with our clients. At the heart of this work are a number of key priorities that reflect our role and responsibility to our clients and guide the way we do business.

Our strategic directions are built around the following key thrusts:

1. Ensure approved clients have access to playable instruments.
2. Recognize the importance of building self-esteem, and breeding success within each of our clients.
3. Ensure the sustainability of all operating programs

Barrier-Free, Instrument Loans and Musical Programs

Efficiency

• Demonstrate that ILC is well-managed and capable of generating cash flow to re-invest in acquisitions and programs

Creative and Human Resources

• Strengthen ILC's commitment to its volunteers and those who support them

Strategic Partnerships

• Position ILC to enhance its ability to fulfill its mandate through selective alliances and partnerships

Biographies of the Founders

Kevin Lucas

has been involved in various arms of the music business for the past 25 years. He has produced two, and co-produced six music videos, five of which have aired Internationally. He has also secured major media opportunities and sponsorships for his clients by negotiating with many major International organizations and talents. Currently Kevin is proud to be the Properties Master for the Drayton Entertainment live theatre chain.

Neil McPhee

is a Stratford resident and father of two boys, Neil works as an HVAC technician at the Stratford General Hospital.

Neil moved to Stratford from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, four years ago to be closer to family who had come to Ontario before him. This move has also afforded his children a larger selection of post-secondary education options, and a brighter outlook on their future in the job market.

While raising his two boys, Neil was active in his community for several years as a Cub Scout Leader. It was during this time that he realized that through music, storytelling, and the acknowledgement of minor achievements, connections where being made and self-esteem in these boys rose dramatically.

Neil says, "Coming from a large musical family, it seems I have always been singing, playing, and writing for some reason or another. I have never really sought out leadership roles, although I don't avoid them. I am a good communicator, and have a good sense of reason; this has over the years caused me to see many voids in our society. I find myself steering people who have a natural fit into those roles. I guess I see myself as a good support person." I believe that any impact we have on our surroundings should be a positive one. I get a great pleasure out of doing something for someone and being able to say "Nope, no charge!"

"This is what makes bringing Instrument Lenders Canada to Stratford so exciting. I believe in it strongly, and see it as a vessel for many great opportunities that we haven't even recognized yet."