A benefit concert has been planned in Grande Prairie to help people from the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement rebuild. Since the area was placed under an evacuation order on May 22nd due to the Chuckegg Creek Wildfire, 15 homes on the outer edge of the settlement have been destroyed.
Bring the Rain Co-Organizer Anita Anderson says this is something that hits close to home for her and the other two event organizers.
“I’m from Gift Lake Métis Settlement… so they’re like our brothers and sisters and they’re near and dear to our hearts. If you’re in the middle of the disparity and being in the midst of these people then you want to do more.”
The event starts on June 22 at Jackpot Bar and Grill with a dance and beer garden featuring 13 artists who have donated their time for free. The following day there will be a family event featuring bouncy castles, entertainment, a reptile petting zoo and silent auction.
The Beer garden runs from 4 p.m. to close and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The family event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be $10 per person. Paddle Prairie residents get into both events for free. Anderson says all the money raised will go directly back to the people who need it.
“We can’t just stand back and do nothing. It takes action and I guess the three of us have decided to take action and we’re just hoping that anything and everything we can bring forward is going to help with the rebuilding of their homes.”
Tickets can be purchased from the Jackpot Bar and Grill.
