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Funder for Down Under in Courtenay raises thousands for Australia

Organizers still tallying up proceeds but expect to donate at least $8,000
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Avalanche Bar & Grill owner Devin Moldenhauer plays a didgeridoo during Sunday’s Funder for Down Under fundraiser. The event raised in excess of $7,000 for Australian wildfire relief efforts. Photo by Terry Farrell

The final tally is not yet in, but it looks like the Funder for Down Under has raised at least $8,000.

Musician and head organizer John Mundy put the event together quickly at the Avalanche to help raise funds for Canadian firefighters heading to Australia to fight the wildfires ravaging the country right now.

The organizers are still waiting for pickups of about $1,000 worth of silent auction items from the event, but Mundy says they have already raised a lot of money for the cause.

“We’re way over $7,000,” he said.

He estimates that when the final number is tallied, including the silent auction items, the event will probably bring in more than $8,000.

Mundy was pleased with the turnout, saying more than 200 people came out to the event, with most staying the whole day.

“It was packed, standing room only,” he said.

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Everything, it seems, fell into place, as there were no technical issues and the bands were well received.

“It was just like the best vibe ever,” Mundy said. “The music was fabulous…. The whole thing went without a hitch. There was not one glitch in the whole day.”

One of the highlights was when Avalanche owner Devin Moldenhauer brought out his didgeridoo to play.

“He’s an amazing didgeridoo player. He played twice for people,” he said. “It was great. He just kind of brought the house down.”

There is another Australian fundraiser coming up, this time in Cumberland. The Australia BushFire Fundraiser show and dinner takes place on Jan. 26 at the Masonic Hall, 2687 Dunsmuir Ave., from 5-10 p.m. The event will raise money for Aboriginal communities in Australia affected by the fires. The event is described as a variety show of “eclectic local artists, and eating meat and veggie pies.” There will be live music, comedy, a silent auction and more. All profits support the relief effort.

Tickets are $25 a person. To buy a ticket and reserve your spot at a table, email danielledawn19@gmail.com, or if any organization would like to donate, put up an item for the silent auction, or supply anything for the event, please email Danielle at the same address. Donations will go to http://www.firesticks.org.au/



mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com

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