Youth Rising Above (YRA) and the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre / Multicultural Women Against Rape (TRCC/MCWAR) are collaborating to influence positive change through music to support programs targeted at youth (aged 16-24) with the aim of preventing sexual assault, misconduct and / or violence against women through an elevated awareness and understanding of consent.
The catalyst for the fundraiser is Neon Dreams, a group that swiftly and courageously abandoned the North American Cageless Tour, as the opening act for Hedley, after allegations were released that members of the band were involved in acts of sexual assault. As part of this response, Neon Dreams will be performing an acoustic set and are generously donating $1,000 to the TRCC/MWAR to initiate the fundraising efforts and help the organizations reach their fundraising goal of $5,000.
The event’s headliner will be Toronto native RALPH. With an emphasis on lyrics and storytelling, pulling from her personal life experiences, RALPH’s songs are honest and relatable. Other artists who are passionately raising their voices for this cause are Jillea and The Command Sisters. These talented Canadian artists will be generously donating their time and talents to the cause by performing 25-minute acoustic sets to a crowd filled room in the West-end of Toronto.
The fundraiser will take place at the historic Gladstone Hotel, on September 9th beginning at 6:30 PM. The Gladstone Hotel is a fitting venue for this fundraiser and awareness campaign due to their long history of advocacy for inclusivity and feminism as well as being leaders in social impact.
The event will be hosted by YRA in support of the TRCC/MWAR. A brief overview of the prevention program and how these organizations support victims of sexual assault will be provided at the event.
Tickets can be purchased for $30 here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raise-your-voice-influencing-positive-change-through-music-tickets-49159859463
