Food banks in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent will share $123,000 after The S'Aints Sleighing Hunger concert set a fundraising record.
The funds arrive at a timely moment. In Chatham-Kent, Brenda LeClair, the executive director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger, said there's been a 20 per cent increase in demand at its food bank this year alone.
"We're able to meet that need because of the generosity of these folks who are out there giving every day, volunteering, running food drives, and raising money," said LeClair, calling members of the band family.
The S'Aints held two sold-out concerts at the Chrysler Theatre on December 20 and December 21.
For the past 15 years, the concerts have raised over $700,000 to fight food insecurity and other initiatives in the region.
"It's a strange position to be able to do something you love, and it turns into something that gives back," said Jeff Burrows, the S'Aint's drummer and former member of The Tea Party. "For us, we feel truly blessed just to be part of a family that gives back to the community and see how the sponsors, the community, and everyone come together. It's easy when you're doing something that you love."
The president of the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, June Muir, says the money will help fill shelves at dozens of food banks in the area.
"Sleighing Hunger is about more than music. It's about community, compassion, and a group of performers who donate their time and talent to raise money for food insecurity in our community, as well as Chatham," said Muir. "As the need increases, food banks are feeling stretched for resources more than ever before."
Muir added that one in four people currently using food banks in Ontario is employed.
Last year, 235,000 people visited the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, of which 30 per cent were children.
"Your kindness helps turn music into meals, performances into purpose, and a night of celebration into hope for those who need it most," said Muir.
