Raising funds for Iraqi children

As unfiltered images of war torn Iraq flooded into our living rooms, the price of war became truly visible in the shattered homes and injured Iraqi children.
One child, Ali Ismaeel Abbas, was found in Iraq after a missile hit his home. His parents were killed, he was badly burned and lost both of his arms.
“I was watching a program on TV and they showed Ali with his arms blown off and stuff,” said Sandra Allan, a local musician. “I just felt a need to help out in anyway I could.”
And with that sense of helplessness, Allan came up with the idea of holding a concert to benefit all Iraqi children who are in a similar situation to Ali.
“I wanted to use my music, and others’ music, to raise funds,” she continued. “This is my way, as an artist, that I could do it.”
And so, Allan has set up a special concert featuring herself and other local artists in an effort to help the 12-year old Iraqi boy and others like him.
The concert will take place at the Calvary Tabernacle Church (308 Butler Avenue) between 6-8 p.m. on Sunday night. Coffee, treats and fellowship will follow the concert.
“We’re doing a tribute to children,” she said. “It’s advocating kids.”
“Some of the artists will be: Kayla Lauzon, Gerry and Jackie Guimond, Ken Irwin and Derek Enz and band,” she said. “That’s a few of them. It’s a good variety.”
Allan describes the music as “basically country and contemporary gospel.”
“Most people don’t know how,” she said of people’s sense of helplessness in helping the kids. “This is a way they can express their concern for the kids in Iraq.”
She explained that all the funds raised in the form of donations will be sent to the Ali Fund set up in London, England or through the Unicef or the Limbless Society. The Ali Fund was set up to help kids injured in the war meet their medical needs.
Allan encourages people to come out on Sunday night to support innocent children injured in war.
Anyone wishing to attend, and donate, but can’t make it Sunday night is invited to call Allen (274-6887) to make a personal pledge to add to the concert funds. Also, Allen indicated that any artists wishing to play similar music at the concert should also contact her.