Jim Cuddy & Canadian talent to perform at Benefit Concert #BackFortMac
TORONTO, ON | May 30, 2016 – On Monday, June 27, a #BackFortMac concert will be staged at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, featuring Canadian talent and all proceeds going directly to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal, it was announced today.
“We are staging #BackFortMac to help the thousands of citizens affected by the catastrophic and on-going fires around Fort McMurray, Alberta, and let them know that Canadians stand with them, says #BackFortMac executive producers Adrian Luces and Patti Jannetta. “We are reaching out to Canadians from coast to coast to ask: please help us make a difference in the lives of Fort Mac families.”
Today there are multiple fires still wreaking havoc in the larger district around Fort McMurray, known as Wood Buffalo.
“The effects of this disaster have been devastating to individuals, families and the communities of Wood Buffalo,” says Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. “Thanks to fundraising initiatives such as the #BackFortMac concert, people have a chance to come together to enjoy some great Canadian talent while also providing an incredible contribution towards helping the Red Cross improve the lives of those in need.”
Arlene Dickinson (Dragon & CEO of Venture Communications) will co-emcee #BackFortMac: “As a proud Canadian and Albertan, I’ve been deeply moved by both the tragedy that has struck this community, and by the outpouring of support shown by Canadians from coast to coast. #BackFortMac is an opportunity to showcase the values that unite us as Canadians. It’s an opportunity for us to once again show we are a compassionate, caring, strong, and united country.”
Also joining Arlene will be Co-Hosts: Colin Mochie and Deb McGrath (Award Winning Comics) along with Steve Anthony (CP24's On-Air Personality)
Legendary songwriter and singer Jim Cuddy (Skyscraper Soul), will perform with an orchestra and his long time band member and violinist Anne Lindsay. He says: "We have all watched helplessly by as devastating fires have driven the citizens of Fort McMurray from their homes. I'm happy to play a small part in helping to raise funds for the community and hope that in raising our voices we can let the people of Fort Mac know that Canadians across the country are with them."
Canadian musicians confirmed at #BackFortMac to date are: Jim Cuddy (& violinist), The Devin Cuddy Band, Measha Brueggergosman, Lovelocks, Jackie Richardson, Matt Dusk, Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath. #BackFortMac tickets at Roy Thompson Hall go on sale Friday June 3. More talent TBA soon! These generous Canadians are donating their talent and Roy Thompson Hall has waived its rental costs; there are no admin fees for volunteer work.
Ninety per cent of the funds raised by #BackFortMac will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Appeal, supporting families and individuals impacted by the wildfires in Alberta. Ten per cent of proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross disaster readiness program, which allows the Red Cross to be ready to respond to emergencies such as the fires in Alberta at a moment’s notice with its network of highly-trained staff and volunteers across the country.
The Working Group of caring Canadians staging #BackFortMac are: Co-Chairs Bruce Bowser, Arlene Dickinson, Jon Dwyer, Eileen Greene, Pradeep Sood | Executive Producers Patti Jannetta, Adrian Luces | Action Team Tom Allison, Suzan Ayscough, Dave Baker, Michelle Baker, Aaron Barberian, Rod Black, Mark Camilleri, Scott Carmichael, Joanne Cochrane, Sharon Cooper, Ivan de Souza, Jake Gold, Andrea Grau, Dan Jacob, Tanya Jivov, Norm Kelly, Eion Leggat, Maximillian Vogrin-Levy, Andrew MacDonald, Liisa Palokoski, Frances Peksyk-Cichocki, John Slighte, Jon Trimandi, Joseph Turcotte, Monica Virmani and Vinay Virmani.
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