InsideTORONTO

When she was 12, her mother taught her a tough lesson in sacrifice by giving the family's Christmas presents away to a woman in need: "She was a single mom with four kids, just like my mom, and she had nothing," Da Camara said. "When my mom visited her and saw all they had was a mattress, she couldn't help herself. Our gifts were in the car, so she went right out and unloaded them."

Back then Da Camara was devastated at the loss, but now the 27-year-old world jazz musician and Roncesvalles Village resident is singing a different tune and crediting her mother's act of generosity as the catalyst behind her Put Art Back Into Your Heart mission.

The January 2008 project will have Da Camara joining Our Lady's Missionaries (OLM) in Brazil for two months of teaching impoverished children art, photography, music and drama.

"My objective for the kids is to develop their talents and discover what they really enjoy," she said of the 50 children the Fortaleza, Brazil mission serves. "I want to find out what their dreams are and translate them into art."

Da Camara will then return to Canada to sell the children's masterpieces, with the proceeds returning to Fortaleza: "I want to make the money circulate, so there's continuous money available to the children."

So far, three area venues have agreed to exhibit the art, including Gate 403 and Tinto Coffee House (both on Roncesvalles Avenue).

It's community sponsorships like these Da Camara is seeking out - and Bonnie Dell and Marty MacPhail of were first to answer that call.

"Suzana always said she wanted to work with poor kids, so we made the connection that way," Dell said of introducing Da Camara to the OLM.

MacPhail's late aunt Midge spent 50 years in the order and was one of the founding members of the Brazil mission 35 years ago.

"Our Lady's Missionaries focus on social justice, and women and children's issues in impoverished areas," MacPhail said. "They believe in giving a hand up rather than a hand out."

And that's precisely the example he and Dell are following with their Fridge Art Calendar. Now in it's second year, the project features the artwork of Canadian and Brazilian children. Proceeds from its online sales go to fund art supplies for Da Camara's project.

"Last year, it paid for 40 kids' art supplies and lunches for a year, and for a little extra education for two kids who showed talent," MacPhail said of the calendar, which can be purchased at www.FridgeArtCalendar.com.

Local chef Carlos Fuenmayor also answered the call, volunteering both his cooking services and the food for any upcoming fund-raising events Da Camara should host.

"It's sponsorships like that that are really going to make this thing work," MacPhail said.

For anyone wishing to assist the project, Da Camara is seeking sponsorship in the form of two computers and 10 digital cameras, as well as donations towards her airfare and the purchase of art supplies in Brazil.

Musicians are also welcomed to volunteer their acts for upcoming fund-raisers.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.suzanamusic.com or www.OurLadysMissionaries.com.