Rush may have rocked the Enmax Centrium in Red Deer last week, but the fans also did their part for the flood relief concert raising more than half a million dollars.
In total, $575,000 was raised as a result of the July 24 show. The band ,as well as Ticketmaster, Live Nation and the Enmax Centrium all donated their time, goods and services to raise money for areas devastated by the June flooding.
“It is important to be a good neighbour in situations like these, and we are very grateful that we are able to amass such a huge sum that will undoubtedly help many of our fellow Canadians in need,” said Geddy Lee, lead singer and bassist.
“Thanks to our partners who joined us in the effort, to all the great fans from all over Alberta who attended the show, the workers who donated their time along with us and those fans abroad who supported via the special flood T-shirt.”
Proceeds raised from the benefit show have been divided with $400,000 going to the Canadian Red Cross, $125,000 specifically to the citizens of High River who were hit the hardest in the floods and $50,000 to various local charities.
As a result of the flood, the Red Cross has distributed more than 945,000 relief items such as clean-up kits, hygiene supplies, potable water, safety gear, cots and blankets to those in affected areas.
People can still make donations by ordering a Rush Flood Relief T-Shirt by visiting www.rush.com.