The corridors of Devonshire were alive with holiday vibes as the S'Aints band performed a sneak peek acoustic set Tuesday, in preparation for its annual Sleighing Hunger concert at Caesars Windsor.
The fundraising concert, sponsored by Caesars Windsor Cares and St. Clair College, is taking place on Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. in the Colosseum at Caesars Windsor.
"We know we're blessed. We get to hang out with our best friends, like-minded friends, musician friends and be able to do something we love to bring the community together to do something that we all love: celebrate Christmas," said Jeff Burrows, the drummer for the S'Aints. "And at the same time, being able to raise funds."
"We're pretty much the end result of everyone's efforts," said Burrows. "There is no S'Aints without sponsorships and all those who participate and purchase tickets, and it's a great way to kick off the holiday season for the whole family."
The concert will benefit 17 local food banks through a partnership with Windsor Essex Food Bank Association and Chatham Outreach for Hunger. These foodbanks collectively reach thousands of individuals in need of emergency food supplies.
"The Windsor Essex Food Bank Association is beyond grateful for being selected as the recipient of this concert for many years," said June Muir, the president of the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association. "This event is a pillar in our efforts to be able to combat hunger today and tomorrow to those facing food insecurity in Windsor and Essex County. The collaborative action exemplified by St. Clair College, Caesars Windsor Cares, and The S'Aints makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve."
In 2023, the association served over 211,000 food insecure individuals. The food banks include UHC - Hub of Opportunities, Downtown Mission, Drouillard Place, Community Food Pantry Lakeshore, three Salvation Army locations, Welcome Centre Shelter for Women, Windsor Homes Coalition, and more.
According to the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, there was a 27 per cent increase in the number of first-time visitors at the various food banks this year.
"I think that speaks volumes. And we are seeing in our own foodbank today is 300 visits per week, and it keeps increasing," said Muir. "It's not just people on a fixed income that are utilizing food banks, it is families, and individuals who are working."
"It's really sad that the need for the community to do charity grows every year," said Steph Baker, a vocalist with the S'Aints. "As a band, we sit behind the stage and go, 'this is why we do this.' We have a great time doing it and we're very lucky to do what we do, but the need increases every year. The families need us every year."
The S'Aints will play all the holiday classics, including two new cover songs, at least one new original song and "plenty of surprises we don't want to give away," said Burrows.
The Sleighing Hunger concert has raised more than $557,320 to feed those in need since it first started back in 2013. One hundred per cent of the ticket sales and merchandise proceeds from Sleighing Hunger go back to the community.
"For the world-at-large, I suppose events such as the televising of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and 'It's A Wonderful Life' are notable entertainment traditions of the holiday season. But, in this region, it is the annual Sleighing Hunger concert by The S'Aints, which has become the treasured family celebration of Christmas," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "As one of the founders of the concert and music sale, the College remains honoured to be associated with this wonderful fun-raiser and an essential fund-raiser for hunger relief in our community."
"On behalf of Caesars Windsor Cares and the Entertainment Team, we are incredibly proud to collaborate with St. Clair College and The S'Aints on the Sleighing Hunger concert once again," said Tim Trombley, Director of Entertainment, Caesars Windsor.
Tickets for the all-ages show are on sale now and can be purchased at caesarswindsor.com and ticketmaster.ca. The Caesars Windsor Box Office is open Friday and Saturday from Noon to 8 p.m. and on show days from Noon to 10 p.m. Tickets are also available at the Main Windsor Campus of St. Clair College (ext. 4258) and at Devonshire Mall's Guest Services.
