Some of St. Albert’s strongest voices in musical theatre are coming together to organize a benefit concert for victims of flooding in southern Alberta.
St. Albert Singers Guild, St. Albert Youth Musical Association and Acting Out Musical Theatre were quick on the draw to support victims and recognize the resolute spirit of those affected.
They are hosting a concert at St. Albert United Church on Sunday, July 28.
“We’re really excited. We feel this is how we can help,” says Verla Carter, general manager for St. Albert Singers Guild. “It’s not as if we can get in a car, drive down and make sandwiches or help clear out debris. But we can put on a concert for people who really need it.
Carter saw the result of the devastation first hand in Canmore when she returned from Fairmont, British Columbia on June 29. The peak of the flooding occurred from June 21 to 24.
While driving through Canmore a week later, Carter saw the power of nature at work. Entire stands of trees were washed away and the highway was down to one lane of traffic.
“You could see crews were building parts of a new highway. Parts of the Trans Canada Highway were gone, and you could see where the road had given way during a slide. It’s unbelievable, the force of water.”
She also has deep personal reasons for assisting flood victims. Before moving to St. Albert, Carter lived in High River for five years. In fact, her children were born there. After seeing the devastation on TV, she contacted friends and discovered they had taken refuge at the nearby hamlet of Blackie.
“Roads were covered with water. There was mud and silt everywhere. People are bringing out items – mattresses, fridges, freezers, bedding, clothes – and leaving them on the curb and the town brings by garbage trucks.”
For some the wreckage may pose more than financial ruin. There is also the emotional and psychological devastation of losing a home and what its memories represent.
“If we were in their shoes, we’d be appreciative for any help other communities can provide.”
Each of the three groups, conducted by music director Criselda Mierau, will sing tunes and perform sketches from their spring concerts. In a spectacular showcase piece, they join forces to sing the 1972 Bill Withers mega-hit Lean on Me.
Carter added that 100 per cent of the gate would be donated to the Red Cross’ Alberta Flood Fund.
The Sunday concert starts at 3 p.m. The St. Albert United Church is located at 20 Green Grove Dr. Organizers are suggesting a free-will offering of $15. For information call 780-418-4184.
