Local Fundraiser Brings Music, Community and Support to Cuba

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard

SCUGOG: Local jazz musician, Lynn MacDonald is inviting the community to an evening of music, friendship and fundraising, in support of families and communities in Cuba.

The fundraiser takes place Saturday, September 26th, beginning at 6 p.m., at The Hall (Church of the Ascension), 266 North Street, Port Perry.

The evening will feature an outstanding lineup of musicians, including the Cubano Band, with Sean Bellaviti on piano, “Gato” Bill McBirnie on flute, Raul Abreu on percussion and Paco Luviano on bass. All proceeds will go toward helping friends and families in Cuba with essential food and supplies.

For Ms. MacDonald, the cause is deeply personal. She has travelled to the region many times, over the past decade, and describes the people she has met there as “family,” hardworking, resourceful, fun-loving and kind-hearted.

“I have been going there for years,” said Ms. MacDonald. “These people are extremely precious to me. I communicate with them daily, and I have seen firsthand how difficult life has become.”

Ms. MacDonald has been personally helping a small number of families obtain necessities, during the ongoing shortages. She explained, while food and other supplies may reach major centres and areas along the country's main highways, some smaller communities can remain difficult to reach.

Among those she supports is her friend Yorlandy, whom Lynn describes affectionately as a hard-working, funny and devoted family man. Deliveries of groceries can make an immediate and meaningful difference to families struggling to find basic necessities.

Ms. MacDonald is now asking the wider community to help sustain that effort. Donations from the fundraiser will assist with purchasing essentials, such as: chicken, pork, beef, eggs, flour, fruit juice, rice and beans.

Those wishing to support specific families can also arrange grocery deliveries through Supermarket23, an online service which Ms. MacDonald uses to send food directly to people in Cuba.

The fundraiser promises to be both a celebration and a chance to make a tangible difference.

“Come and enjoy our Cuban party,” Ms. MacDonald said. “Donate if you can, and help us keep these families going.”

For information and bookings, call 289-354-1140 or email lynn@lynnmcdonaldjazz.com.