On the heels of two sold-out Sleighing Hunger concerts performed by The S'Aints Band at the Chrysler Theatre, event partners celebrated by cutting a big cheque for local charities.
In collaboration with St. Clair College, St. Clair Alumni and LiUNA 625, a grand total of $123,000 was raised for Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent food banks, helping to provide essential support throughout the holidays and into the New Year. This number represents a new record donation from the annual concert.
"It is important to remember that hunger is not just a holiday concern – it is a year-round challenge," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "While the festive season inspires giving, the need continues longer after the lights and decor are put away. That is why this initiative matters so much: it reminds us that generosity should not be seasonal. Together, we can make a difference every day of the year."
For 15 years, The S'Aints have been rocking the season with purpose, raising more than $700,000 in support of food banks and other initiatives across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
Jeff Burrows, who is the drummer for The S'Aints, said this year's two sold-out shows on Dec. 20 and 21 brought the band back to its roots at the Chrysler Theatre, where it all started 15 years ago.
"It's a strange position to be able to do something you love, and it turns into something that gives back," said Burrows. "For us, we feel truly blessed just to be part of a family that gives back to the community and see how the sponsors and community and everyone comes together. It's easy when you're doing something that you love."
A special cheque presentation took place at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on Dec. 22, where the recipient organizations were on hand to accept the record donation.
June Muir, President of the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, says this money will go towards filling shelves at dozens of area food banks.
"Sleighing Hunger is about more than music. It's about community, compassion and a group of performers who donate their time and talent to raise money for food insecurity in our community as well as Chatham," said Muir.
As the need increases, food banks are feeling stretched for resources more than ever before. One in four people currently utilizing food banks in Ontario is employed. And last year, among the 235,000 people who visited the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, 30 per cent were children, according to Muir.
"Your kindness helps turn music into meals, performances into purpose, and a night of celebration into hope for those who need it most," Muir said.
Brenda LeClair, the Executive Director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger, said the need increases every year, with a 40 per cent jump in demand over the past two years.
"We're able to continue to meet that need because of the generosity of these folks who are out there giving every day, volunteering, running food drives, and raising money," said LeClair. "Thank you so much from the very bottom of my heart. To the S'Aints: You are not just a band who performs and raises money, you are our family."
