Vancouver Musician’s Association launches ‘Music Lovers Care’ – a temporary relief fund for musicians in need.

NEWS RELEASE
**For Immediate Release**

November 19, 2020

Vancouver Musicians Association launches Music Lovers Care –a temporary relief fund for musicians in need.

The COVID -19 pandemic has severely impacted live entertainment and the performing arts industries resulting in little to no work for artists and performers who rely on live audience venues for their livelihood. Government financial assistance has been a necessary bridge but as the pandemic draws on and the likelihood of performing live is on hold indefinitely,the financial toll on musicians is rising. Today the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA) launches Music Lovers Care – a
temporary relief fund for musicians in need.

“We know that even with promising solutions on the horizon,the pandemic will continue to impact us for some time to come. The performing arts sector has been particularly hard hit and will probably be amongst the last to return to normalcy” said VMA President David Brown. “Musicians are having a particularly hard time and we want to help those in need as best we can whether they are members of our organization or not. The VMA has been inspired by Local 180 Musician’s Association in Ottawa Gatineau who raised over $58,000 to help support musicians in their community.”

Audrey Patterson Vice President added “Now is the time for music lovers to unite in supporting musicians. Together, as a caring community, every dollar donated will go to help musicians make it through this pandemic. Please pass on to all who are in a position to assist financially”

To make a nontax deductible donation for musicians in need please email [email protected] 100% of donations shall be distributed to musicians who are experiencing significant financial difficulty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. VMA plans to begin distributing funds mid-December.

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Vancouver Musicians Association, Local 145 of AFM, chartered in 1901, is an affiliate of the AmericanFederation of Musicians operating as the Canadian Federation of Musiciansin Canada. “Our mission is to unite and support musicians through establishing professional standards, fair pay for fair work, and sustain a vibrant musical community in mainland British Columbia.” For inquiries please contact Dusty Kelly [email protected] or 604-737-1110