The Feed the Need in Durham Concert is returning for its sixth year in Oshawa to help and support people who struggle with hunger and food insecurity.
Proceeds go to Feed the Need Durham, a food collection hub that supports 65 local food banks.
A study by Statistics Canada last month found about 10-million Canadians have been struggling with hunger over the past year with some going days without food due to rising inflation.
The study found food insecurity has been linked with mental health struggles, various chronic conditions and other diseases and infections.
Closer to home, a report from Feed The Need shows over the last year 36,000 people looked for support from food banks across Durham Region, which is a 51 per cent increase from last year.
Ben Earle, CEO of Feed The Need, said it’s important to help those in need.
“It remains important and I think both myself and the volunteers can agree that it is becoming one of the most important issues of our society,” Earle said.
Concert organizer Joe Solway said since the pandemic started in March 2020, the number of clients at food banks and the other agencies has increased.
“There has been an increase of help required and Feed the Need serves 65 of them across the region,” he said.
Earle said the average person can lead a helping hand.
“By giving as much as they can and to donate to Feed the Need and food banks across the region,” he said.
With the holidays fast approaching, being able to give in a busy time of year is very important to Feed the Need and one of the reasons why Rotary clubs across Durham Region host the concert as the year is ending.
“You know, there’s a lot of joy at Christmas and there’s also a lot of pain and so we, you know, we try to go where the help is needed,” said Solway, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Bowmanville.
The lineup includes Durham College Music Business Management graduate Cale Crowe, the Doozies, Hunter Sheridan, Kristine Dandavino, New Moon Junction, Alisha Robichaud and Kalista Wilson.
The concert will be held at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa starting at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10.