Sons of Kent patrons and fans of the Tragically Hip joined forces to support the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund and enjoy the music of The Hip.
The fund, inspired by Wenjack’s story and Downie’s call to build a better Canada, aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Wenjack was not a residential school survivor. Sadly, his body was found after the Anishinaabe boy had escaped from a residential school in Kenora in 1966. He died of exposure and starvation just trying to get home to his family.
To raise money for the Downie Wenjack Fund, Sons of Kent had Tragically Hip tribute band Grace2 perform at the craft brewery’s outdoor venue. The event raised more than $6,600.
Combined with a 2024 fundraiser, Sons of Kent has raised more than $12,500 for the charity.
The Sons also created a special Downie Wenjack Pilsner for each event.
“The Sons of Kent HipFest is about more than just great music and good times,” said Doug Hunter, co-founder of the Sons of Kent, in a media release. “It’s about honouring Gord Downie’s legacy and helping support the important work of the Downie Wenjack Fund. We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our community and sponsors who made this donation possible.”
QUeen of the awards
Chatham-based QUeen Milling has been named as a nominee for the fifth annual Ontario Made Awards.
These awards recognize Ontario manufacturers and retailers that help consumers make informed decisions to increase the sales and awareness of Ontario-made products.
QUeen Milling is nominated in the Consumer Awareness category.
Until Oct. 5, Ontarians are encouraged to vote for their favourite manufacturer and retailer in each category by visiting ontariomade.awardsplatform.com. Each vote
that is cast gives participants a chance to win one of five $250 gift cards to a registered Ontario Made manufacturer of their choice.
QUeen Milling is located on Richmond Street in Chatham. The company, since 2005, has created various styles of gluten-free flour.
- Business Voice is a bi-monthly column in The Chatham Voice that highlights some of the achievements made and efforts underway in Chatham-Kent’s business community. Send your information to [email protected].
