The Virtual Show on July 18 raised much-needed funds for charities
Due to Covid-19, the Blues Festival had to present a virtual show this year. This was a huge challenge for our organizing committee, but we faced it head-on as we were determined to raise the much-needed funds to support our beneficiaries which are West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA), West Island Women’s Shelter, AJOI, Alzheimer’s Group and Literacy Unlimited.
The Virtual Show was scheduled to be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook on July 11, but due to technical difficulties, it was postponed to July 18. At that time a partial show of two hours was presented, but our plan is to air part two in the fall. It will feature the Freddie James Project, Dawn Tyler Watson, Dwane Dixon, Brian Greenway and Sylvie Desgroseilliers. The date of this will be announced on our website as well as on social media.
We are very pleased that the two-hour show raised over $20,000 which will be given to the beneficiaries (less expenses). We could not have done this without our partners – the Cities of Dollard des Ormeaux and Point Claire as well as the Borough of Pierrefonds/Roxboro – who we want to thank sincerely for their continued support. Thanks also to our sponsors: TD Bank, Allstate Insurance, Vivier Pharma, JN Bank and Baylis Medical. As well, we want to thank the general public, many of whom are used to attending our live events, for their contributions which helped us to achieve our objective.
Needless to say, the show would not have been possible without the group of talented and dedicated musicians who put in a lot of time and energy to ensure that a quality show was delivered. For this, I thank them.
Finally, thanks to the organizing committee of the West Island Blues Festival for their hard work which made the virtual show a success.
Please note that the date for next year’s show is July 10, 2021. We look forward to seeing you there.
Errol Johnson,
President, WIBF.
