our story

When in-person classes at McGill University were abruptly terminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eden Pletner realized that she had been lucky. She was lucky that she had a stable home to go to, that she belonged to the wonderful McGill community, and most of all that she had her health. Others, however, had not been so lucky. Residents in senior homes and community care facilities, as well as patients in long-term care in hospitals and people at higher risk had suddenly become isolated from their families and loved ones and they could no longer attend community events without worry. There was a need on both sides - those most at risk who cannot or choose not to attend events and performers who may no longer have venues where to perform. Drawing on her experience in organizing coffee houses in high school and her passion for community and connection, Eden decided to start Glowing Hearts Coffee House, a fully interactive musical experience delivered to those who are most in need of it via today's modern technology. While the impetus for Eden's vision came from the COVID-19 pandemic, she realizes that people who have mobility issues or require long-term care will always be with us and that these people deserve to feel included and ‘attend’ community events just as the rest of us do. With that in mind, Eden is engaged in building Glowing Hearts into a full-time year-round charitable organization that will provide joy and engagement via interactive musical experiences and distribution of existing community events to those who can benefit most.