Calgary singer Tom Jackson has raised millions through the Huron Carole, his annual charity concert tour in support of family service agencies, and local and national food banks. He鈥檒l add to that total tonight when the Huron Carole stops at Glad Tidings Church for a聽fundraising performance at 7聽p.m.
Jackson never tires of helping those in need, having been homeless himself at one point many years ago. He has led the Huron Carole on tours across 乌鸦传媒 each Christmas season since 1987, and vows to continue as long as his services are needed.
鈥淭here is a constant need for us to support those who support those who are in need,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ecause we live in a time where changing elements create voids, people sometimes get lost.鈥�
Jackson will be joined on stage for tonight鈥檚 concert by Vancouver musicians Tom McKillip, Darryl Havers, John MacArthur Ellis, Kirby Barber and Chris Nordquist.
The performance of contemporary and classic Christmas music will benefit the Mustard Seed Street Church, which also receives support from the .
Last year, the 乌鸦传媒 distributed more than $308,000 through the Mustard Seed, the Salvation Army and Our Place.
鈥淔orty per cent of those who use food banks are children,鈥� said Jackson, whose association with the street church dates back more than 10 years.
鈥淭hat fuels this fire. I would be doing this regardless, but there鈥檚 all that much more reason if we鈥檙e committed to making sure we protect our future. I see a lot of people being serviced by these agencies I hope to help. It touches everybody.鈥�
The Huron Carole 鈥� one of several philanthropic pursuits he has put his name to 鈥� earned Jackson the title of Officer of the Order of 乌鸦传媒 in 2000. The Juno Award winner and former North of 60 star has raised more than $200 million in monetary and in-kind value for those in need through the charity, in addition to hundreds of millions of pounds of perishable food donations.
鈥淭he reward for me is doing the kind of work I do, talking about a lot of things people already know but have sometimes forgotten,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the spirit of Christmas.鈥�
Glad Tidings Church is at 1800聽Quadra St. Tickets for Huron Carole can be purchased for $30 from or .
Donate to the 乌鸦传媒 Christmas Fund
The 乌鸦传媒 Christmas Fund assists individuals and families in need during the Christmas season.
Here are ways to donate:
鈥� Go to . That takes you to the 乌鸦传媒 Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
鈥� Mail a cheque, payable to the 乌鸦传媒 Christmas Fund Society, to the 乌鸦传媒 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria V8T 4M2.
鈥� Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, leave a message, we鈥檒l call back.
