Cari Blum is no stranger to the warmth and hospitatlity of the High River people. As part of Barrhead area gospel group Joyful Melody Trio with Colleen Durocher, and Joyce Dietrich, she has entertained in the community.
After witnessing the tragedy and devastation of this summer’s flooding firsthand, seeing how hard the people and organizations of High River were hit, Blum realized she needed to do something to help.
“We thought, as a trio, what can we do?” She said.
Blum set out with a mission to reach as many households as possible. The way to do this, she thought, was through children.
The singer came upon a fundraiser in High River that was working to raise enough money to fund the High River Elementary School lunch program for one year, and her decision was made.
“Their goal was to raise enough monies to provide all elementary school kids with a lunch,” said Blum. “We’re branching off of that. We’re going to top it up with the money that we collect here.”
In addition to the lunch program, money will also go to the High River Flood Victims fund, which is managed through the Full Gospel Church in High River.
Blum said the church itself, which she visited five weeks after the flood, was quite effected by the disaster. Even the pastor lost his home.
The reverend asked, ‘how many of you will not be going back to your homes for dinner today?’” Recalled Blum. “The number of hands that were raised in that congregation was just phenomenal. At least a third of the people.”
The trio is turning to their home community, a place that has never failed to lend a helping hand when someone was in need. Barrhead has always had a big heart, said Blum.
“If you watched the news like I did, and your heart just bled for these people as mine did, and if you’re thinking of helping with a monetary donation and you just didn’t do anything about it like me, we want to give people this opportunity to reach out,” said Blum. “Here’s a chance to help.”
After reaching out to local businesses for monetary donations, the trio is inviting the entire community to attend a gospel concert this Sunday.
The concert will be held at the Barrhead Seniors Drop-In Centre Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Entertainment will include the Joyful Melody Trio, contemporary southern gospel group Three &Company, and country gospel musician Ben Kellert.
A representative from High River will also be present to share their personal experiences.
Though there is no fundraising goal set, Blum said every penny counts. She is hoping to see the Seniors Centre packed full the night of the concert.
There will be two donations options at the fundraiser; an envelope for school lunch program donations, and one for the Flood Victims Relief fund.
“You can donate to one or the other, or both,” said Blum. “Some people don’t want to give to the flood relief fund for their own reasons, but we thought maybe their heart is for the kids.”
High River however will not be the only recipient of this generosity.
Because the trio knows Barrhead has needs as well, Blum sought out where money from the fundraiser could be most helpful locally.
After speaking with executive director at Barrhead FCSS Linda Mueller, she realized Barrhead’s own school lunch program was also in need.
“Half of the money is going to go into the High River Elementary School program, and half of it is going to stay here at home,” said Blum. “We want to touch one child at a time, and that’s the best we can do.”
Mueller said FCSS is reliant on cost recovery, donations and grants. Barrhead’s school lunch program lost its grant this year, said Mueller. Not only is the trio doing something extremely kind, their actions will help the program continue.
“The school lunch program is extremely grateful to the Joyful Melody Trio and the show they are putting on,” said Mueller. “This generosity is going to support the school lunch program.”
