Award winning performers are coming together to raise funds for Ukrainians hoping to relocate to Stratford, Perth and Huron counties.
This Friday, local singer and songwriter Loreena McKennitt will be performing at the Knox Presbyterian Church to raise money for airfare and immediate expenses needed to safely transition Ukrainians fleeing their homeland.
McKennitt said the idea for the fundraiser began after Dr. Gezahgn Wordofa, executive director at the multicultural association of Perth-Huron, travelled to Poland and Ukraine to assist with citizens fleeing Ukraine. Describing the situation as dire, Wordofa felt suppot was missing a crucial element.
“There were up to 30 people that were waiting to come over (to Canada) but for the lack of airfare,” said McKennitt.
With dozens of Ukrainians in need of funds to purchase plane tickets, McKennitt said the money raised will go directly towards flights. Performing solo, the artist is also undertaking producing the concert.
The concert will also have performances from the Azars, a local Syrian family that relocated to Canada after fleeing the Syrian civil war. A husband and wife duo, Samir Azar is playing oud, while his wife is on vocals.
“I think when it comes to helping those in need, one should look at their skill sets, what can they do and then put those to good order. The situation in Ukraine is devastating in every sense of the word,” she said.
McKennitt will be joined by the all-male Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America. Playing the bandura, a unique 60-string instrument, the chorus will bring Ukrainian music and culture to Stratford. The chorus will have members from Toronto, Windsor and Detroit, travelling to Stratford for the cause.
“As tragic as these circumstances are, it is also fascinating and enriching to use them as a way to acquaint ourselves with others and their culture,” said McKennit.
S.P Joseph Lyons, an Anishinaabe Algonquin author and speaker, will be offering words from an Indigenous perspective.
The concert with also include performances from Stratford-based Celtic band, The Bookends, along with InnerChamber’s Andrew Chung and Emily Hamper. Gemini-award winning actor Cedric Smith and festival actor Seana McKenna will also take part in the benefit concert.
The fundraiser, hosted by former Stratford Festival actor Michael Fox, will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. For those looking for alternative ways to show support, donations can be made directly to the multicultural association.
Tickets are being sold for $100 per person.