A benefit concert hosted and organized by Alamaz Durand inside the Evangelical Free Church on Birch Ave. raised $600 for the Red Cross.
“After the summer we had, I thought it best,” said Durand. “No doubt they went through a lot of resources so I thought could at least try to give back.”
Durand came up with the idea after hearing people say they should do something for the community after the fires heavily affecting the South Cariboo. Durand decided to approach seven acts, most of them friends or acquaintances she met at coffee houses, rendezvous and other events in the community
“They were willing and ready to do it,” said Durand, who is a photographer by trade. “Of course, there was no pressure for them to join.”
All of the musicians she asked to volunteer were from the Cariboo area, coming as far as Williams Lake.
There was also an auction before and after the concert, with everyday items up for grabs such as a clock, paintings and baked goods. The auctioneer was Pastor Andrew Giesbrecht, who also worked the sound system with his brother during the concert.
“There was quite a few donation items that people were just wanting to donate and it was very sweet of them,” Durand said.
Various other community members were also involved, promoting the event through posters and on the radio.