Fort McMurray donor Megan Ritter is building a life for her family that has music at the centre. We met up with her at the CKUA tent on the Edmonton Folk Music Festival site, to ask her about her favourite CKUA programs and why she donates.
“I started tuning a few years ago, and now I would say I’m an avid CKUA listener,” she says. “Being a donor has made me appreciate all the work that goes into making CKUA what it is. When you pay for it, you get that extra level of appreciation for what’s being created for you.”
She adds, “I felt we should pay based on the value we receive, since we pay for Spotify and Netflix. We listen more to CKUA, so it’s deserved!”
Her favourite programs are the blues shows and A Time for Jazz. The early morning sounds of The Road Home have been particularly special, too, after she and her husband, Axel, welcomed baby Ronan in April. “I needed to hear the birds chirping when I was up at all hours with a new baby,” she says.
“We want Ronan to have a community-funded station he can continue to enjoy, with a wide array of diverse content.”
Ritter knows the power music has; she’s seen it make a difference for her young son. “Sometimes he stops crying when he hears music,” she says, adding, “Certain songs give him good vibes!”
Ritter is aware of the path that CKUA is on, to raise $3 million by September 30. “I increased my donation when I head about that $3 million appeal,” she says. It didn’t really occur to her to pause her donation, even though she is currently on maternity leave. “I told my husband we just need to do this,” she laughs. “I truly wouldn’t have made it without the music playing since Ronan joined us!”
She adds, “Thank you to the hosts for their passionate execution of their shows, bringing music knowledge, celebration of music history, and bringing the community together, because music heals the soul.”
Thank you, Megan, Axel, and Ronan! CKUA appreciates your support and encouragement so much!
If you would like to join the strong donor community that supports CKUA, you can donate today at CKUA.com.
Megan sends “Luckiest Man” by The Wood Brothers out to the CKUA community.
Park Power
