A masssive benefit concert has been planned in support of Fort McMurray relief efforts. The Fire Aid for Fort McMurray event will be June 29th at the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Organizers say Alberta band Nickelback was the first to step up, followed by others like Blue Rodeo, Corb Lund, Dean Brody and the Rankin Family. Jeff Perry was involved in the 2013 Flood Aid concert in Calgary and says he had one major takeaway.
“The obvious thing is about raising money, but, quite frankly, that isn’t what it’s about. As much as we want as much money as possible, the take home from that was far greater than anything we raised. No matter what we raise here in the millions, it’s going to be a band-aid solution to help to the billions they’re going to take to rebuild it.”
All funds raised will go directly to the Fort McMurray United Way who will work with agencies in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo to help affected residents. Executive Director Diane Shannon says all of the support is appreciated and needed.
“And while nothing can truly prepare people for the reality of returning home to Fort McMurray, we are ready for the challenge of rebuilding the heart of our community and our hometown… a community of really caring people now very humbled to be accepting generosity from others.”
Rounding out the lineup are Dallas Smith, Brett Kissel, Randy Bachman with The Sadies,Ian Tyson, Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies, Dear Rouge, and High Valley. Tickets go on sale Monday and purchasers will have the option of donating tickets to evacuees.