One evening in April of 2015, singer-songwriter, Chris Leamy, encountered a less-fortunate woman on the the subway. Pointing to his guitar, she mentioned to him that it would be much easier for her if she "had one of those". Leamy recalls that he never thought about it before, but less-fortunate and homeless people could receive more tips if they have a talent to share. That is where he got the initial idea to start the online campaign, #HePlaysForMe.
Ever since then, he goes out on the streets of New York to play his guitar and sing his new material to help the less-fortunate and homeless citizens. He is able to use this as a platform to test out his new music and to help those not as fortunate as him. All of the money that they receive for playing goes to the homeless person. Leamy remembers the first time he sat down with a homeless stranger to be a "life changing event for [him] because [he] just really didn't count on all of the inspiring stories and all of the incredible words of wisdom that [he] encountered." With his #HePlaysForMe campaign, he was able to raise over $4,000 in a 30-day donation challenge. The campaign has already been able to help one of Leamy's displaced friends, Miguel Correa, find a house and a job.
Chris Leamy's help with the homeless has now been able help him in return. Sony's distribution arm, RED, has just signed a record deal with Leamy. His first song is to be debuted on September 2nd with the full EP on September 16th. The music video for his first song will feature Miguel Correa.
What is your opinion on Leamy's work with the less-fortunate and homeless?
Do you have any ideas on how to help those less-fortunate than you?
I think Leamy's work with the less-fortunate and homeless is very inspiring. Sometimes it can be hard to remember that those people on the streets most likely don't get to have very many conversations with other people. It isn't easy to walk up to them and just have a simple conversation. They would probably love to just talk to someone.
My idea to help the less-fortunate is to have more and more people like Chris Leamy. We need to be able to start treating them just as we would our neighbors. They are human just like us. The more we start accepting them into society, I think it will be easier for them to get back on their feet.
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Replies
Great job Katelyn!
Chris Leamy is doing some great work on helping the less fortunate and I feel like he is a very good person who should keep the good work. I think we could do a can drive or a cloth drive to help out the homeless or the less fortunate.
I think what Chris Leamy is doing great because he is helping out homeless people and the less-fortunate. Have a food drive or a soup kitchen to help the less-fortunate and the homeless people.
1. It makes me extremely happy to know that Leamy is doing something to help the less fortunate. It's amazing that he has raised this amount of money for the homeless just by playing his guitar (and from donations of course). Our society needs more morale boosting fundraising. The fact that he used his talent to help others when he understood that he may have no financial or personal gain from it is phenomenal.
2. I enjoy this music idea, it seems fun. I would like to do any fundraising activity, perhaps a bake sale or something of the sort. Almost anyone has the ability to help, it is who uses this ability who makes a difference.
I agree. It is truly amazing how much his work has helped the homeless! Our society definitely needs more of this type of fundraising.
I agree, his work is very inspiring! Too bad I can't sing... or play the guitar... But there are many other ways we can help the less-fortunate around Harlan. You can donate food to the food pantry, donate clothing and toys to West Central, donate furniture to Hero's Attic at SCCO or volunteer at any of those places. They're non-profits so donations are greatly appreciated and so is help. I also agree with you about accepting them into society. They'll be more driven to and make it easier to get on their feet if there is a society that accepts, helps and appreciates them as a human being.
That is very true! There are definitely many ways that we can help the less-fortunate in our community. Great ideas!
What is your opinion on Leamy's work with the less-fortunate and homeless?
I think Leamy's work with the less-fortunate and homeless is inspiring to many and hopefully will make people want to help the homeless more . it is key to Remember that those people on the streets are human to just like us and we need to treat them like humans
Do you have any ideas on how to help those less-fortunate than you?
yes talk to them help out in anyway you can it will make their whole day knowing you helped them
I agree! The more they are treated as equals, the more driven they will be to get back on their feet again.
I think that it is awesome that he is helping the homeless. You can have food drives for the less fortunate.
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