The fundraiser was conceived by John Gunter, CEO of Frontiers North Adventures, and Belinda Fitzpatrick, owner of the Tundra Inn as a result of layoffs in Churchill that have left more than 100 people, about 10 per cent of the town’s residents, out of work. Gunter and Fitzpatrick were looking for a way to help those workers and their families make it through the long, cold winter ahead. Their idea is to stage a benefit concert to bring hope to the community and raise attention and money for Churchill’s Hungry Bears Food Bank.
“We wanted to do something. This is a small town and everyone knows everyone. We’re neighbours and we’re friends,” said Gunter. “I reached out to John K. and he immediately understood what we are trying accomplish. He is very gracious and has offered to help us elevate the awareness of this important issue beyond the town of Churchill.”
Frontiers North Adventures helped the Churchill Food Bank launch a website to accept donations: hungrybears.ca.
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be invited to play in Churchill,” said Samson, “we want the community to know that Manitobans are thinking of them, and hope we can help spread the word.”Winter Wheat the highly anticipated new album by renowned Canadian singer-songwriter John K. Samson is out now. Inspired by the search for connection and community, the album is deeply personal and thoughtful. John K. quietly encourages simplicity in a complicated global landscape.
"Perhaps more than any other Canadian musician, Samson, the former frontman for The Weakerthans, has been able to communicate what it means and feels like to live in a place defined by isolation," said Fader Magazine.
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Header Image © Barbara van Meegen