PEI Folk singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan was set to perform in Lunenburg at a benefit concert this weekend for Second Story Women’s Centre.
However, when she found out it was cancelled due to COVID-19, she decided to start a GoFundMe campaign instead.
MacLellan said spreading awareness and raising funds for community services such as this are important for those who need them.
“We are very fortunate to live in a country with a lot of social support, but there are a lot of people who fall through the cracks,” she said.
“People that don’t know where to turn when they are in a bad situation at home, at work, or just feel at risk in any way.”
PEI Folk singer Catherine MacLellan is raising funds for Second Story after her benefit concert was cancelled. Photo: Submitted
Second Story Women’s Centre offers services to those in need such as youth and adult counseling, crisis support, appointment or court accompaniment, tax supports and individual, group and community supports.
Those services can be vital to both woman and gender-oppressed individuals, said MacLellan.
“I know they’re also working with non-binary and transgender people,” she said.
“Those people tend to be at high risk for homelessness just because of being themselves. Some families don’t always understand them or won’t support them when they really need them.”
MacLellan said she spends a lot of time on the South Shore, and was honoured to be asked to help the centre.
She said they are aiming to raise around $5,000 to go towards funding the centre. In their first week, they’ve raised just over $600.
Those interested in donating to the GoFundMe can find it here, and information about the Second Story Women’s Centre can also be found here. Donations can also be made directly to the centre on their website.
Follow Cody McEachern on Twitter at @CodyInHiFi for more.
