MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – As the cleanup effort continues in the wake of the devastating Canada Day tornado that destroyed several homes and damaged many others in the region, so too does the community’s effort to rally support for those left behind picking up the pieces.
Debora Rice-Salomons, president of MVE (Mountain View Events) The Heritage Centre, said their organization decided to put together a family-friendly fundraiser featuring live musical entertainment.
“All the people on our committee are neighbours or friends of the victims and long-term area residents,” she told the Albertan in response to being asked what motivated them to make the arrangements.
While the original plan was to host the fundraiser at their location just east of Cremona, they ultimately opted to instead hold the event at the Carstairs Memorial Arena, a venue which offers much more space to accommodate a larger crowd, she said.
The Mountain View Tornado Benefit Concert takes place Saturday, July 29 at the Carstairs Memorial Arena from 3-8 p.m.
The event – which is being put on in partnership with local ag societies as well as Mountain View County – will feature live musical entertainment from multiple performers including the main headliner Dustin Farr, a community-minded local singer and songwriter who also works as an instructor at Olds College, she said.
“He’s very benevolent,” she said, adding Farr was among the hands assisting with cleaning up some of the affected properties.
“He’s just such a really great guy, he’s always there to help,” she said.
Farr had previously penned a piece called We Are Alberta for the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, a version of which is available for listening on YouTube, she said.
“It’s basically about when times are tough, Albertans step up,” she said. “He will definitely be ending the concert with that song.”
Leading up to Farr’s headline performance there will also be music throughout the afternoon, she said, adding there will also be some kids’ games and activities courtesy of the Carstairs Ag Society.
Additionally, there is going to be silent as well as live auction, and while there is no cost of admission, people will be invited to provide a donation upon entry.
Anyone who cannot attend in person but who nevertheless wishes to contribute may do so by cash, credit, debit, or cheque through Connect First Carstairs by mentioning the Mountain View Tornado Benefit Concert fundraiser. Alternatively, people also have the option of sending an etransfer by email to [email protected].
“The concert goal is $30,000; hopefully we’ll raise more than that, but that’s the concert goal,” she said, adding proceeds will be managed by Samaritan’s Purse and that tax receipts will be available upon request.
“We’re working with Samaritan’s Purse because they already have boots on the ground,” she said, adding that organization has already established a fund specifically for the Mountain View tornado victims.
“Samaritan’s Purse is actually already there helping people,” she said.
Funds raised will help tornado victims to cover the costs of repairing damage that was not or could not be insured.
“The monies will go to cover uninsurable losses,” she said.
The organizers are anticipating a busy evening and hope to see as many people come out as possible.
“There’s been a pretty amazing response from everybody (so far),” she said.
