Rankin concert to raise money for Kivalliq kids

DENISE RIDEOUT

IQALUIT — Residents of Rankin Inlet are getting ready to jam this Labour Day with a weekend of rock ‘n’ roll, Inuktitut music and appearances by NHL players.

The big event, dubbed Jammin’ on the Bay, is more than an end-of-the-summer concert. It’s actually helping to create the Kivalliq Kids’ Fund.

One of the concert’s organizers, Jim Ramsay, said money from the ticket sales will be donated to the fund, which will be similar to the Children’s Wish Foundation.

“The money will be going towards kids that have leukemia, kids that have cancer, kids that are less fortunate,” he said. “Hopefully we can send them to Disneyland or Canada’s Wonderland or give them some experiences in life that they couldn’t get.”

With the help of Inuit organizations, local businesses, the airlines and some fundraising efforts, Ramsay and a group of volunteers are on the verge of staging one of the biggest concerts in Nunavut this summer.

“I had a little bit of a vision. I wanted to incorporate some culture, some sports and kids,” Ramsay said.

Concert goers will be treated to performances by Trooper, Sass Jordan, Farmer’s Daughter, Charlie Major, Kim Mitchell and the Dust Rhinos. A host of Inuit performers will also be on hand, including Susan Aglukark, and Tudjaat.

Hockey fans will also get to meet some former NHL stars, such as Mike Gartner and Chris King. The NHL Players’ Association has also donated 140 sets of hockey equipment to the Kivalliq Kids’ Fund.

The concert, which has already attracted people from Yellowknife, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa, will take place in Rankin Inlet Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. For more information, check out the website www.jamminonthebay.ca.