Music @ Work Tour
The Forks in Winnipeg - September 16, 2000
War Child Press Release
80,000 FANS MAKE CONCERT HISTORY
AT THE WAR CHILD CANADA CONCERT 2000
WINNIPEG'S LARGEST CONCERT EVENT EVER
RAISES OVER $300,000 IN SUPPORT OF WAR-AFFECTED CHILDREN
Winnipeg The combination of a stellar lineup of
performers, perfect weather and a chance to support an important cause, drew a
crowd conservatively estimated at 80,000 to The Forks in Winnipeg, this past
Saturday, September 16th. War Child Concert 2000 featured inspired performances
by headliners The Tragically Hip and special guests Chantal Kreviazuk, Maestro
and Angelique Kidjo.
Under clear skies, concert-goers were encouraged to make cash donations in
support of War Child Canada. To date, in excess of $300,000 has been raised for
the cause, through the tireless efforts of 200 + volunteers who canvassed the
audience, as well as through the generous support of sponsors, government and
the promotional efforts of the Winnipeg media.
The event was also honored by the presence of Mr. Olara Otunnu, Special
Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed
Conflicts, Mayor Glen Murray, Premier Gary Doer, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada and Olympic Medallist Silken Laumann who
all addressed the audience.
"We are deeply moved by the support given to us by the City of Winnipeg, the artists, the sponsors and especially the fans that turned out for this wonderful event" said Dr. Samantha Nutt, Executive Director of War Child Canada.
Donations are still accepted by contacting the
War Child Canada office at 1-877-WCCANADA or by visiting the War Child Canada
website at www.warchild.ca.
The September 16 concert was presented in Winnipeg, concurrent with the
International Conference on War-Affected Children, which took place September 10
to 17, 2000. House of Blues Concerts Canada produced the event.
War Child Canada, an organization based in
Ottawa, has had significant impact in promoting and supporting the cause of
war-affected children around the world. War Child has offices in the United
States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Ghana and
specializes in providing emergency relief and rehabilitation programs for
children both during and after conflict.
War Child has been involved in numerous large-scale concert events in the past,
including Pavarotti and Friends with performances by Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey,
Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and many others, as well as a Sarajevo concert
featuring U2 and the Millennium Lights War Child Canada Concert in Toronto, New
Year's Eve 1999.
War Child Canada Concert 2000 was made possible by the Department of Foreign
Affairs and International Trade of Canada (DFAIT), BORLAND, PALLISER FURNITURE,
AIR CANADA, MOLSON BREWERIES, SCOTIABANK, HMV, HOUSE OF BLUES CONCERTS CANADA
and the FORKS NORTH PORTAGE PARTNERSHIP.
Rory's Tour 2000 Reviews page.