2010 Press Releases

Corb Lund and Friends Benefit Concert Raises $68,000 for Southern Alberta Flood Victims

(Alberta – July 13, 2010) Canadian singer Corb Lund, along with Canadian Idol winner Kalan Porter, helped raise $68,000 at a Benefit Concert hosted by CHAT TV, CHAT 94.5, and MY96 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Both Lund and Porter, along with The Strait Jackets and Mahoney, donated their time and talents for this fundraising concert, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross Western Canada Severe Weather fund.

Corb Lund (centre) receives Red Cross certificate for fundraising efforts.

“We would like to extend our deepest and sincerest thanks to CHAT TV, CHAT 94.5, MY96 for this very generous donation,” said Canadian Red Cross Provincial Director Steve Armstrong. “It is because of their support and the support of the community at large that we are able to provide the resources that will help those affected by the flooding manage the initial phase of the rebuilding process.”

Premier Ed Stelmach, MLA Len Mitzel and Environment Minister Rob Renner, as well as the Medicine Hat Stampede Princess and Queen joined the more than 1,200 people in attendance.

Premier Stelmach spent about 20 minutes speaking with Red Cross volunteers at the pre-

	Kalan Porter (centre) receives Red Cross award for participating in flood fundraiser.

concert Tailgate party, commending them for their outstanding work in helping local residents impacted by the mid-June flooding and learning about some of the aid they have provided.

“It was exciting to be able to meet and speak with not only the Premier, but also to be able to go backstage to meet all the performers,” said Medicine Hat Red Cross volunteer Tessa Kleissen, who has been helping with the response since day one. “It was amazing.”

All proceeds from the Tailgate, silent auctions and concert will go directly to the Western Canada Severe Weather Fund. To date approximately $158,000 has been donated and pledged towards the Southern Alberta flood relief efforts.

Premier Stelmach chats with a Red Cross volunteer.

"We were thrilled with the response to the Flood Relief Concert on every level,” said CHAT 94.5’s Mike Doll, who organized the 2010 Flood Relief Concert. “The support of the local business community, various organizations, and Medicine Hat and area residents was tremendous. Medicine Hat and area is famous for lending a hand to anyone who needs it and this time there was a lot of hands extended, willing to help. We're very appreciative of all the support in making this event a huge success and we know the money will go a long way in helping those affected."

Lund and Porter commented on how happy they were to be able to contribute to the relief effort. Both were raised on Southern Alberta ranches and know the devastation that flooding can cause to the livelihoods of farmers. Lund, a native of Medicine Hat, wowed the fans with such favourites as “The Truck Got Stuck” and “Rye Whiskey” and obliged his hometown crowd with an encore after the they nearly brought the house down with cheers and applause at the end of the night.

The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of assisting residents of Medicine Hat and Cypress County and was on the ground from the moment floods started to threaten the area. So far, Canadian Red Cross staff and volunteers have contributed more than 1300 hours of time to this response.

Residents of Medicine Hat and Cypress County who require additional services or who are seeking information can contact the Red Cross at 403-502-8975 from 9 am to 4:30 pm or visit the Response Centre at Medicine Hat College. The Cypress County Red Cross Response Centre at the Irvine Sports Complex is also open daily from 10 am to 5 pm for those requiring assistance.

Red Cross is assisting individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by this disaster in meeting needs which may not be covered elsewhere, such as housing, food, transportation, household repair and clean-up materials and occupational support which includes the replacement of essential personal items - such as eye glasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetics, mobility aids, and refill of essential as well as other financial hardships and other individual needs.

Residents seeking information about Alberta Government’s 2010 Southern Alberta Disaster Recovery Program please call 1-888-671-1111.

The Canadian Red Cross continues to appeal to Canadian for donations for the Western Canada Severe Weather Fund. All Canadian Red Cross support is provided at no charge to those in need. To donate to this locally funded program please visit your local Red Cross office, call 1-800-418-1111 or go online to www.redcross.ca. 

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The  Canadian  Red Cross would like to thank the following companies who have contributed significant resources and time to this event: Corb Lund, Kalan Porter, The Strait Jackets, The Mahoney’s, Chat TV, MY96, Nutter’s, Brewmaster, Kara Securities and Al’s Audio and that many companies and organizations who have contribute items to the silent auction .

 

For more information please contact:

Tracie Moore

+Canadian Red Cross - Alberta

Provincial Public Affairs Coordinator

Calgary

Phone: 403-541-6132 Fax: 403-541-6129

tracie.moore@redcross.ca