Free concert series provides uplifting sendoff for evacuees

By Nigel Maxwell

A free concert series event in Prince Albert on Wednesday helped provide support to those displaced by the wildfires and gave thanks to the hundreds of volunteers.

“Stronger Together” included live music and activities for the families who, in many cases, have been confined to the temporary shelter spaces. Sheryl Kimbley coordinated the event.

“It was just basically to give a little bit of relief to the evacuees because we walk through those centers and we’ve seen they’re crowded. They’re unhappy, obviously, worried they might not have a home to go to when all of this is done,” she said.

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Kimbley noted the displacement has been especially hard on the elders and young mothers who have been chasing around little toddlers.

“We wanted to give them a day of saying we welcome you here, we’re sorry for what you’re going through and we want to support you,” Kimbley said.

Irene Sanderson and her family enjoy the music and sunshine. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Representatives from Indigenous Services Canada were on the grounds providing treaty annuities. There was also a collection space for donations. Kimbley noted that even after the evacuees return home, support will be needed.

“Some of these people are going home to absolutely nothing. Some have had to throw out bedding and clothing because of all the smoke damage, and people had to empty their fridges because there was no power for a long time,” she said.

The concert series on the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) grounds (former site of Senator Allen Bird Memorial Centre) is open for everyone to attend. Kimbley noted her hope to see and hug the volunteers who have been working long hours. When asked about the process of organizing the event, she said she simply made a social media post.

“And all of a sudden, they just started saying, ‘we’ll do it.’ My son, with the community mentorship program that he works for, just came forward and said, ‘hey, we’ll help, we’ll do kids’ activities,’” she said.

Prince Albert Exhibition donated the stage, and Kimbley raised money for the sound and lighting generator in the bouncy tents, so any additional money that came in could go straight to donations.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

David Ratt from La Ronge confirmed the event was helping lift his spirits.

“I’ve been kind of up and down, not getting a lot of help and we’ve been paying for our own gas,” he said.

Confirming his excitement at the thought of returning home on Thursday, Ratt said he knows his house is still standing, but is worried about his boat and Ski-Doo.

“Hopefully nothing was stolen, as there are a lot of people stealing stuff in La Ronge, so hopefully they get caught.”

Meanwhile, Irene Sanderson from Lac La Ronge Indian Band was enjoying the concert with her daughter and three grandchildren. She commented on how nice it was to stay in one place and relax.

“It’s been overwhelming. We didn’t know where to go, where to stay. We’ve finally got a place and now going home tomorrow, thank God,” she said.

No party is quite complete without a bouncy castle. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)