While the Christmas season is associated with lots of food, too many people are still in need, especially during the recession.
But the some local musicians are trying to change that.
On Nov. 25, the fifth annual Feed the Homeless benefit concert was held at Zaphod Beeblebrox.
It featured performances by Arms of a Girl, Huntley Slim, Jill Zmud, DJ’s Kerri and Arun.
Zmud, a Carleton graduate, said she was very excited to be part of the event because it had people giving back in a “concrete” way. Every $5 ticket pays for three homeless people’s dinners at the Shepherds of Good Hope.
The issue of hunger is important every year, says Cody Dobie, a third-year communications student at Carleton, former MuchMusic VJ contestant and the event’s MC.
He said this year there are even more people impacted because of the harsh economy.
“I hope that the recession has made people think about the issue more,” Zmud said.
According to the Ottawa Food Bank, usage has increased by 9 per cent this year. This number is much lower than the 18 per cent increase in food bank usage seen across Canada.
In addition to supporting a good cause, 20-year-old Dobie said this event is great because it promotes youth involvement.
“You want to support people our age who are willing to go this far. The volunteers are giving everything they’ve got,” he said.
Dobie said the event has a “huge push from Carleton.”
It was organized by a carleton graduate and there are many Carleton volunteers. Also, CKCU – the on-campus radio station – co-sponsored the event.
This volunteer-based event is providing help during the Christmas season when people need it the most.
“It’s tough when they don’t know whether there will be food on the table, when they don’t know if they can provide the magic,” Dobie said.