Two Chilliwack hikers are pairing up with some local musical talent to raise money for Free The Children.
Local hikers Tammy Boersma and Liz Tucker will be hosting a concert fundraiser featuring Debbie Fortnum and members of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Paula DeWit, to raise support for Free The Children’s clean water projects in Kenya.
Boersma and Tucker will be undertaking a four-day high-altitude trek to the peaks of Machu Picchu, Peru in July 2017 and need to raise a minimum of $8,000 in order to participate in their trekking challenge. The fundraiser concert will go towards their efforts.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, guests will be treated to new songs from Fortnum’s latest CD along with special arrangements written just for her and the string section of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra.
People will also have the opportunity to learn more about how their support is helping to free the children. Donations to Free The Children will be accepted at the event and refreshments will be available by donation.
The Tim Hortons beverage truck will also be at the concert. Treat yourself to a coffee, water, or hot chocolate/frozen lemonade (depending on the weather). All drinks are $2 and all proceeds will be donated to Free The Children.
"I was moved with compassion, not just for the umbrella organization's vision for Free The Children around the world, but the sheer passionate determination pouring out of Tammy and Liz, to truly make a difference with their very lives. This is something I get behind every single time," says award-winning singer/songwriter Debbie Fortnum.
“It is so important for the CSO to be an integral part of our community and this is a great way to collaborate and support this great cause,” says Paula DeWit, conductor of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra.
In the 16 years since Free The Children began partnering with the Maasai and Kispigis communities in southwestern Kenya, together they have built schools, libraries, water projects, latrines, kitchens and teacher accommodations. Clean water access within communities has increased by 88 per cent since 2007 and the practice of healthy water habits in community households has increased by 43 per cent.
The concert is set for Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Chilliwack Alliance Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general seating, $40 for premium and can be purchased online at www.FreedomTrek2017.com/events.
For more information, to make a donation, or to sponsor this event, contact Tammy Boersma at 604-823-2339 or tboersma@shaw.ca.