Musicians from across Vancouver Island are rallying to help those most in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. (CHEK News)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rallying cry

Intimate, livestreamed concert from Island superstars raising money for Nanaimo Foundation

Apr 14, 2020 | 4:08 PM

NANAIMO — Musicians from across Vancouver Island are on the lineup for a massive yet intimate concert raising money for essential services and valuable organizations.

The Rock for Relief bill includes Nanaimo’s own Lauren Spencer Smith, as well as David Foster, both Randy and Tal Bachman and Aaron Pritchett.

Each superstar will film themselves and the concert will be shared on social media.

The event is raising funds for both the Nanaimo Foundation and Victoria Foundation, with viewers having the chance to select where their donations go.

Laurie Bienert, executive director of the Nanaimo Foundation, said donations they receive go into the Community Response Fund, which was established alongside the Tom Harris Community Foundation.

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The fund has raised nearly $50,000 since it was created on March 26.

“It’s everything from $10 donations to $10,000 donations,” Bienert told NanaimoNewsNOW. “It’s really great to see people giving what they can, doing what they can and really wanting to come together to support those who need it right now.”

I’m not surprised, Nanaimo is a very generous community. _{Laurie Bienert}

The priorities for the fund are currently food security, housing needs and helping isolated seniors.

Similar priorities were identified by the United Way Central and Northern Vancouver Island, who recently received roughly $400,000 to help organizations hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bienert said all fundraising efforts in the Nanaimo and northern Vancouver Island area are in constant contact to ensure the donations reach as many people as possible.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Bienert said the fund will evolve to handle the changing needs and hopefully donations will continue to roll in.

The livestreamed concert begins at 8 p.m. on Friday across social media and also CHEK News.

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