MetroTones change lives with song
This local pop chorus is known for their support of the community, and with their sixth annual benefit concert approaching, they're going bigger than ever
Every charity welcomes and encourages donations, but to be sponsored by The MetroTones is special. In fact, it's an honour.
Each year, the local community pop group hosts a benefit concert with profits going to deserving charities around the city.
This year, P.R.O Kids in Riverview and Support to Single Parents will share the proceeds, while Food Depot Alimentaire will collect the donated goods.
The MetroTones pick the sponsored charities democratically. Non-profit organizations are nominated by members of the group, and then a vote follows.
Being chosen by the MetroTones as a sponsored charity has become an honour in this area. It means that members of the community are recognizing what different organizations are doing, and it raises the profile of the groups.
Karen Thompson, spokesperson for P.R.O Kids, explained that raising awareness is directly linked to the success of the organization and the amount of kids who benefit.
"Being selected shows more people are aware," she says. "It is essential in terms of raising the profile of P.R.O Kids. We want to be well-known; our goal is to increase awareness."
Not only are the MetroTones' acts of good will showcasing various community groups, they are also shaping the character of the community.
"They provide a great spirit for the community," says Support to Single Parents' Executive Director Nancy Hartling. "To use their talent in a way like that is wonderful. They're an uplifting group with uplifting music,"
Warehouse supervisor at Food Depot Alimentaire, Ken Rafuse, explains that every donation is important.
"All food drives are very important to us," he says. "Each is another spoke that makes our wheel turn."
Like Karen and Nancy, he also thinks that being sponsored by the MetroTones is something special.
"When we were chosen, everyone was elated," he says. "Everyone respects their reputation and good work. Everyone's happy to be a part of this great idea."
Being chosen means a lot to those involved with the organizations, but it will mean even more to the people they help. All three groups say proceeds raised will be directed towards the clients. P.R.O Kids' mission is to help kids get involved in activities who may be held back by financial obstacles.
"Like always, all barriers to participation get 100% of money raised," says Karen.She says fundraisers, especially of this magnitude, are always nice because they never want applications to exceed funds.
"We never know what the oncoming season will hold," she says.
Nancy says some money will be used to help with the basic costs associated with running the Support to Single Parents organization.
"There's nothing extra in a non-profit world so contributions like this are very, very important," she says.
The charities say that The MetroTones are really setting a good example for the community.
"The group has awesome commitment," says Nancy. "They say most people never miss a practice and the music they play is very friendly."
Ken adds that they're noted for their good will state-of-mind as a group.
"I would like to personally thank each and every one of them for recognizing what we do and for helping our causes," he says.
The Sixth Annual MetroTones Benefit Concert, "An Evening with the MetroTones", will be held at the new Moncton Wesleyan Celebration Centre on June 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 plus a non-perishable food item to be collected at the door. For more information, go to www.metrotones.org.
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