Legendary vocal quartet, the Canadian Tenors, are at CN Centre May 23 for a gala fundraising event for the Spirit of the North
Healthcare Foundation.
The Canadian Tenors perform an exciting blend of classical and contemporary pop as they thrill audiences of all ages around the world.
Idolized by the Canadian Tenors, Celine Dion surprised the quartet during their career-defining appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. The group has appeared on stage with many super stars including Andrea Bocelli, Sarah McLachlan, David Foster, Sting, Sheryl Crow and Paul McCartney.
"This fundraiser is a great partnership between the Spirit of the North and CN Centre," said Gowan.
"This event will help raise funds and awareness in the community.
This has been in the works for a couple of years now, as Gowan tried to get the Canadian Tenors to perform at the annual Festival of Trees but could never quite make it come together. That's when Gowan turned to Glen Mikkelsen, entertainment and
marketing supervisor at CN Centre.
"I think the Canadian Tenors are one of the best kept Canadian
secrets out there," said Gowan.
Funds will be directed to the Community Health Fund where the board of directors decides where the greatest need lies.
For example, recently a weigh scale was provided to those in the physical rehabilitation and
occupational therapy unit.
"Anybody having surgery goes there for rehabilitation," said Gowan. "The board got the request for a scale worth $5,000 for that department and when they heard how great the need was, they
immediately granted the money."
Bariatric care is provided to those who are overweight and despite attempts are unable to lose weight and therefore seek medical intervention.
The bariatric care patients would go to rehabilitation after surgery.
"Currently bariatric patients are wheeled down to shipping and receiving and placed on a palette scale to weigh them in their wheel chair because they didn't have the proper scale in rehab to help monitor people's weight loss. Talk about people from a dignity and respect point of view! So when we heard that story it got approved within minutes because - wow. Our board of directors is extremely passionate about making sure that money gets put to the best possible use."
The Community Health Fund is not just about providing enhancements
to existing equipment but also about providing items that are truly
needed, Gowan added.
"It's great when we buy the $300,000 and $400,000 pieces like the MRIs and the CAT scans that people relate to but you'd be amazed at the number of small item requests that come in that are just really appreciated and needed by all the different departments of the hospital," he added.
Tickets go on sale Friday at
10 a.m. at all Tickemaster outlets.
For Spirit of the North VIP tickets available only at the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation
offices, call 250-565-2515.
