It’s been a banner year for Unison Benevolent Fund, with seemingly more public attention on the charity set up in 2011 by the Canadian music industry to help its own, whether through free addiction and mental health counselling services or straight-up financial aid to cover rent or medical extras.
While there are fundraisers big and small throughout the year, the 5th annual Unison Holiday Schmoozefest, which brings out hundreds of members of the music industry and musicians, raised $800,000.
Held Dec. 9 at Toronto’s Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, tickets and raffle monies brought in $50,000 while three major players committed $250,000 a piece — Gary Slaight, Rob Steele, and Darren Throop.
“Each year this event brings our community together to celebrate, kick off the holiday season, and support Unison in a substantial way,” said Unison chair Derrick Ross in a statement. “We rely on the generosity of our community, so that we can continue helping our friends and peers access important financial assistance and valuable counselling support.”
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