A Nanaimo Christmas tradition is back to bring comfort and joy to those in need.
On Dec. 22 local musician Michael Patrick and Kirsten Seiler from the Queen’s present Patrick’s annual Christmas benefit concert at the Queen’s. The event will feature seven local groups and run from 4 p.m. to midnight.
This year’s acts are Prawnicle; Lee Worden, Lindsay Martell and Duncan Symonds; the Glen Foster Group; the Mark Crissinger Band; Ah Venice; the Michael Patrick Blues Band with David Gogo; and Thomas Morris and the Paper Dolls.
Patrick has been presenting his Christmas charity shows at the Queen’s almost every year since 1987, raising money for the Salvation Army and the 7-10 Club. This year for the first time proceeds from the event will be donated to the Island Crisis Care Society and its Samaritan Place women’s shelter.
Patrick said he chose the ICCS because he’s familiar with their work helping those who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness and he said “they’re not getting as much attention as they maybe should be.”
“I’m actually a journalism major at VIU and I’ve done a lot of reporting for school on the homeless situation and I came to really know it well…” Patrick said. “And also I’ve been involved with people that have had problems and had to go to the women’s shelter.”
Patrick said he doesn’t have a fundraising goal in mind.
“We just want to raise as much as we can,” he said.
WHAT’S ON … Michael Patrick’s annual Christmas benefit at the Queen’s, 34 Victoria Cres., on Dec. 22. Doors at 3 p.m., bands start at 4 p.m. Tickets $15, cash only, available at the door. Donations greater than $20 are tax refundable.
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