Women will reach out to help women across the globe when seven Central Alberta singer/songwriters perform at a fundraising concert in Red Deer.
Randi Boulton, Donna Durand, Charlin Henderson, Kristy Lawrence, Teresa Neuman, Olivia Smith and Justine Vandergrift will pool their considerable talents to entertain at the Evening of Inspiring Women on Friday, March 7, at The Hub on Ross.
The 7 pm. family concert will raise money for Amanda Lindhout’s charity, the Global Enrichment Foundation, through its local sister organization B.R.I.T.E. (Bringing Relief and Inspiration Through Education).
All proceeds will go towards creating educational opportunities for women in Somalia.
Education is power, noted Lacombe singer/songwriter Kristy Lawrence. And, since empowering local women is what Lawrence does when she isn’t performing, it made sense for her to participate in the benefit concert.
The 26-year-old who has a day job helping young mothers through Lacombe’s Stepping Stones program, said any group that gives females a voice and lifts them out of oppression is worth supporting.
“I’ve heard Amanda Lindhout speak . . . and I’ve been a fan of her stance on social justice,” said Lawrence, who also admires the former Red Deer resident and freelance journalist for her “passion and heart.”
Lindhout made international headlines when she was kidnapped by Somali gangsters in 2008. She was freed after 15 months of captivity, having endured sexual abuse and torture, after a ransom was paid. Lindhout eventually wrote a best-selling memoir.
She also started the charitable Global Enrichment Foundation and returned to the African country to help Somali women attain more opportunities and a better life.
“She has gone above and beyond” to turn her horrific experience into something positive for other women, said Lawrence, who admires Lindhout for her “Christ-like stance.”
The singer and married mother of two looks forward to sharing her folk songs, including original material, with a Red Deer audience. (She stresses that men and children are most welcome to attend — the concert isn’t a women-only event.)
Lawrence is also excited about sharing the bill with some formidably talented local performers. Durand and Vandergrift are former Red Deer residents, who now live in Edmonton.
The rest of the line-up still reside in the area. All will bring various styles of music to the table, from opera to roots, blues and country-rock.
“It will be a fun, great evening of music,” promises Twyla Joy Lapointe, a Hub staffer
The Hub supports the Global Enrichment Foundation and B.R.I.T.E. through weekly fundraising events, including used jewelry sales. Lapointe estimates $6,000 has been raised so far, and she believes there’s no ceiling on how much money could be put to good use by the foundation.
She calls the concert a “win-win,” since the volunteer performers will also benefit through more public exposure.
Tickets are $15 ($30 per family) at the door at 4936 Ross St. There will be door prizes, a bake sale and refreshments. For more information, please call 403-340-4869.
lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com