December is an important month to remember to support the Comox Valley Food Bank.
Local performer Paul Rodgers will help put it on your calendar as featured guest at the 1st Tuesday Fundraiser at the Mex Pub on Dec. 6.
You're invited to enjoy an evening of great music and community spirit. Bring along non-perishable food items for the food drive or a cash donation for the food bank.
The evening starts at 7:30 with a short opening set by hosts Judy and Bruce Wing.
December will mark the third anniversary of these monthly fundraising events. Over the past three years, different local performers have helped to raise awareness and money by donating performances for many local charities and non-profit groups.
“It’s fitting that the charity that was chosen for December is the Comox Valley Food Bank, as that’s the organization we originally started with,” says organizer Judy Wing. “Helping families make ends meet is important throughout the year, but I think it can be especially meaningful through the holiday season.”
Rodgers is originally from St. John’s, Nfld., but is now an islander of western shores. Considering performance is a relatively new experience for Paul, he is surprisingly at ease as he shares original songs and an impressively eclectic repertoire that touch on everything from soulful ballads to R&B to contemporary pop.
Rodgers finds favourites in any and every genre, and flavours them with his own rhythmic interpretation and unique lyrical phrasing. Like many musicians whose styles are evolving, Rogers’ musical inspirations and influences are in process, and as much about identifying what doesn’t engage him as what does.
Judging by a repertoire that includes songs by Neil Young, Paul Simon, John Meyer, and even Amy Winehouse, it would appear that Rodgers finds something engaging in just about everyone.
“The food bank and the work they do is the most fundamental to establishing a community that cares for itself and the people in it,” adds Rogers. “There is no more basic need and no more basic duty than to share any abundance of luck you may have with those who have not, particularly when it comes to something so simple as sharing food.”
Cash donations for the food bank are especially helpful. As a non-profit organization, the purchasing value of each dollar is stronger, and it also allows them to target particular staple items that may not be regularly donated.
“I hope that a lot of people will come out to support the food bank,” says Rodgers, “I’m going to do my best to make the night out worth their while.”
— 1st Tuesday Fundraisers