Fraser Valley – Local hikers Tammy Boersma & Liz Tucker host 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.
When two local hikers approached local Award-winning Singer/Songwriter Debbie Fortnum and asked her to come on board with their vision to raise money for clean water sources in Kenya (directly benefiting it’s children) she said a resounding YES! When they told her they would also be undertaking a 4-day high altitude trek in Peru for the same cause in Kenya, she said, “Let’s do this!” “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!” Paula DeWit, conductor of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, is also thrilled to be able to contribute musically. “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!”
On Saturday, October 1st doors will open at 6pm (program starts at 7pm) at the Chilliwack Alliance Church for a fundraiser concert. Guests will be treated to new songs from Debbie’s latest CD along with special arrangements written just for Debbie and the string section of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra. They 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.
Free The Children empowers communities by working alongside them. “In the 16 years since we (Free The Children) began partnering with the Maasai and Kispigis communities in southwestern Kenya, together, we have built schools, libraries, water projects, latrines, kitchens and teacher accommodations.” Clean water access within communities has increased by 88% since 2007 and the practice of healthy water habits in community households has increased by 43% (we.org/we-villages/where-we-work/kenya).
In addition to paying for their own personal travel-related costs, hikers Tammy Boersma and Liz Tucker are committed to raising a minimum of $8,000 to support Free The Children’s clean water projects in Kenya in order to participate in their trekking challenge. They are optimistic that “with the support of this amazing community” they will far surpass that goal at the concert evening and that, after covering the event costs, ticket sales may even provide a bit of help with their trek-related costs (immunizations, insurance, etc.) as each participant is responsible for their own expenses.
Tickets for the concert can be purchased online at www.FreedomTrek2017.com/Events. For more information, to make a donation or to sponsor this event, please contact Tammy Boersma at 604.823.2339 or tboersma@shaw.ca.
