The Huron Carole isn’t just bringing a message of peace and good will.
The Dec. 2 concert with Canadian musicians Sarah Slean, Susan Aglukark and Tom Jackson is also about helping out those in the community in need.
While the show is all about Christmas, the proceeds will support the Regional Food Distribution Association.
Jackson, perhaps best known for his six-season stint on the television show North of 60, started the Huron Carole in 1987 to help feed the hungry across Canada.
The tradition took a seven-year break starting in 2004 while Jackson did smaller concerts called Singing for Supper in smaller communities.
But with the rising use of food banks in Canada, he decided to bring the Huron Carole back for 23 stops across the country this holiday season.
“In Canada alone, 900,000 people have used food banks this month,” said Jackson in a phone interview with the Source on Monday.
“That indicates to me there is a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. I think the responsibility for us as human beings is to try to narrow that gap as best we can,” he said.
Jackson and his wife started the Christmas and Winter Relief Association in 1988; its mandate is to help organizations that help the homeless and hungry.
Through the relief association, more than $200 million has been raised.
“The bad news is we still have a job,” said Jackson.
While there is still work to be done, Jackson feels most people want to help, but don’t know how.
“We can’t all get in the trenches. We can’t all go down to the food bank … and volunteer, but if we find vehicles that allow us to grasp that the gift is in the giving and we don’t have to get in the trenches to appreciate that,” he said.
Jackson’s passion for the project comes from his experience growing up and how others helped him when he needed it.
“There were people there who were unselfishly giving to me and I don’t know if I would be here today if it wasn’t for their help,” he said.
Jackson, Aglukark and Slean will perform at the Huron Carole at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Dec. 2.
