$50,000 raised at After The Storm Relief and Recovery Concert

Photo credit: United Way via giveafterthestorm.ca

It has been nearly 2 months since multiple devastating tornadoes ripped through our region, affecting more than 170,000 households. Homes were lost, food was spoiled, and communities were forever changed. In response to the devastation and ongoing need for help, CUPE 503, in partnership with Ottawa’s music industry and many of the region's leading organizations presented After the Storm — an important partnership where all members are committed to coming together and planning for recovery. The mission of the group is to collaborate to raise, invest and deploy resources where they are needed most and will have the greatest impact.

This past Saturday, the Jim Cuddy Band headlined the benefit concert at TD Place alongside an all-star lineup including Matt Mays, Sarah Harmer, Kellylee Evans, LGS, Jim Bryson, Kalle Mattson, Rebecca Noelle, Kira Isabella, Craig Cardiff, Julian Taylor of The Julian Taylor Band, Jeremy Fisher, Cody Coyote and River Town Saints.

The concert saw 5,000 people attend and raised an incredible $50,000 (and counting). 

During the concert, attendees were asked to donate to United Way’s work and support those hardest hit by the storm and tornadoes in the region. An incredible $50,000 dollars was raised during the concert. Every dollar donated to the United Way at this concert will be put to work in community in just a few days.

Donations will address needs in the short and long-term. Support includes:

• Timely assistance for basic needs – fundamentals like groceries, clothing, gas and other household supplies
• Providing counselling and information supports for residents where the storm caused the most damage
• Reaching out and offering help to vulnerable seniors, who may be more isolated because of the storm
• Ensuring that food banks in the areas affected by the storm are restocked

The After the Storm: Tornado Relief Concert acknowledged and celebrated the role of the everyday heroes, organizations and first responders who were – and continue to be there – for so many.

“From first responders to neighbours to complete strangers, we have seen an outpouring of support for those hit hardest by the storm,” said Michael Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Ottawa. “Weeks have passed but the incredible generosity continues with CUPE 503 and Ottawa’s music industry who came together to address the long-term needs of those most affected by this natural disaster.”

Erin Benjamin, Ottawa resident and Executive Director of Music Canada Live – representing Canada’s live music industry, and the person responsible for initiating the event said “it was a powerful, impactful, moving and emotional night. The crowd and support exceeded our expectations – we live in an incredible city, we have the best artists in the world and our community spirit shone as brightly as the lights that lit the stage. It was historic, it was special, it made a difference.”

Shannon Mallen, a resident of the Arlington-Woods neighbourhood who lost her house in the storm attended the concert with her family and neighbours. “We can't thank you enough for your vision, your hard work in seeing it through, and for inspiring so many of your friends and colleagues to come together to help those they've never met. Their willingness to give of their time, resources, and talent is remarkable and a testament that the world is full of good people doing good things.”

This concert was made possible through contributions from all of the artists and the following companies and organizations:

CUPE 503 and:

• 580 CFRA
• 1061 CHEZ
• 1310 News
• Affinity Productions
• Algonquin College
• Algonquin Commons Theatre
• Atomic Cartoons (a Thunderbird Entertainment company)
• Bell Media
• Blackiron Agency
• Boom 99.7
• CBC
• City of Ottawa
• Corus Entertainment
• Country 101.1
• CTV
• Dominion Lending
• Edelman Ottawa
• Edwards PC, Creative Law
• GAL Power Systems
• Global Public Affairs
• Hydro One
• Hydro Ottawa
• LIVE 85.5
• Live Nation
• LouLou Lounge
• MAJIC 100
• Media Plus
• Mercury Filmworks
• Music Canada Live
• New Country 94
• Ottawa Bluesfest
• Ottawa Festival Network
• Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC)
• Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG)
• Ottawa Tourism
• POP 96.5
• Raven Law
• RNC Média
• Rogers Media
• Thom Fountain from the Thom Fountain Team
• TD Place
• Tribro Studios
• TSN 1200
• United Way
• Vanier BIA
• Warner Music Canada
• Willow Sound
• WOW 97.1