November 04, 2002
Publication title: Canada NewsWire, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Vancouver
Writer: Unknown
Landmark charity concert raises record-breaking $1.75 million for new BC Cancer Research Centre
Largest benefit concert in Canadian history shatters $1 million target
VANCOUVER, Nov. 4 /CNW/ – Five of Canada’s leading recording artists and 19,000 music-lovers joined forces to raise $1.75 million at an October 10 landmark charity concert at General Motors Place in downtown Vancouver. The proceeds from the BC Cancer Foundation Presents benefit concert, which greatly exceeded the projected $1 million target, will today be presented to the Foundation in support of its planned new BC Cancer Research Centre. The concert was the largest benefit concert in Canadian history in terms of money raised.
Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, Chantal Kreviazuk and Sarah McLachlan donated their time and talent to perform at General Motors Place and at an “unplugged” fundraising dinner held the night before at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. With facilities and promotional costs donated by a host of sponsors, 100 per cent of the proceeds were earmarked for the research centre, scheduled to open in 2004.
“The overwhelming support for these events and the amount raised has far exceeded all expectations,” said Iain MacKay, chair of the BC Cancer Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, organized and took part in these extraordinary concerts, we are one step closer to beating this devastating disease with the construction of a world-leading cancer research facility in Vancouver.”
Concert Organizer Shane Bourbonnais and Dan Fraser, president of Nettwerk Management, will present the Foundation with a donation cheque at a ceremony on Monday evening at OPUS Hotel’s Elixir Restaurant, located at 322 Davie Street in Vancouver. A number of plaques will also be presented to recognize the invaluable support of organizations and individuals who helped stage the charity concerts.
Bourbonnais, vice-president of Clear Channel Entertainment, Canada, was the driving force behind the concert, which was staged in honour of his late wife Michele. She fought cervical cancer for 1 1/2 years before passing away at the age of 31 on October 10, 2001, exactly one year prior to the concert at General Motors Place.
“Both concerts were extremely emotional occasions for everyone who attended or played a part in making them happen,” said Bourbonnais. “Michele’s battle opened my eyes to the many brave individuals suffering from this disease every day. My hope is that the new research centre will greatly benefit people in this community, across Canada and around the world.”
The $95 million centre will house the BC Cancer Agency’s eight research departments, investigating more than 100 types of cancer. When the centre opens, it will be one of Canada’s largest cancer research facilities with a capacity for 600 scientific and medical personnel, including 50 principal scientists.
