Choir members from across the Peninsula are joining in an evening of song to raise funds to help put an end to global hunger.
Shady Creek Brentwood Bay United Church is hosting a Common Vision Concert on Saturday, June 10 to raise funds for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The organization is a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger. The Foodgrains Bank provided over $43 million of assistance to over one million people in 40 countries in its 2015-16 budget year.
“A major part of our work is outreach work so this just seems to be a natural thing that we would need to do,” said Dorothy Sly, a member of the Shady Creek Outreach Committee and one of the concert organizers.
In February of this year, famine was declared in South Sudan, as well as other neighbouring countries.
“I think a lot of people have been wondering how they can help with the famine over in Africa and this is a very direct way and it’s a Canadian organization that’s doing it,” said Sly.
Some of the choir members coming together for the concert are from Shady Creek and St. Paul’s United Church, as well as other individuals who just love to sing. The composite choir of about 20, along with the congregation, will be led by Canadian composer and music director Ron Klusmeier. The congregation is encouraged to join in the singing of the contemporary hymns written by Klusmeier.
“I used to think I had just been to a gym workout,” Sly says with a laugh. “Ron’s singing is very vigorous. It will be a very enjoyable evening.”
Admission to the concert is free, however, donations – by cash or cheque – will be collected for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Donations over $10 are eligible for a tax receipt. After the concert there will be a bake sale and refreshments.
The concert starts at 7 p.m. at 7180 East Saanich Rd, Saanichton.