Tri-County Country Jamboree donates to The Salvation Army toy drive
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When the Tri-County Country Jamboree started up at Avondale United Church a few years ago, they wanted to give back to the community.
"We didn't want it to be for us, we wanted it to be for the community," said Sharon Brinn. "So we approached the church here (Avondale United) and they agreed. So all the money that comes through the door admissions, and what we make in the kitchen, all goes into an outreach program here at the church."
When there's a need, the Tri-County Country Jamboree committee discusses what they can do for that need.
"It's for anybody in the Tri-County area," she said, noting there have been other churches contacting them for help, including people who need cancer treatment, or drivers.
Country jams start at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.) every other Saturday. Admission is $4, and food and drinks are available. The next jamboree is Dec. 20, with shows continuing Jan. 3 until May 23, 2015.
This past Saturday night, the Tri-County Jamboree committee donated $1,000 to The Salvation Army Tillsonburg for its Toys for Christmas campaign.
Every year around Christmas, said Brinn during Saturday's presentation, they donate to The Salvation Army, and because of the generosity of people attending the jamboree – they usually have between 75-100 people in attendance from September to May – they have been able to donate several thousands of dollars back to needy people since they started in 2011.
"Don and I are proud to be part of that, and we are so thankful to to everyone in this room who has been part of that journey with us."
Following a presentation to Tillsonburg Salvation Army's Donna and Joe Acre, which included committee members Mary Lepage and Elaine Gauld, The Salvation Army received an unexpected donation from trio Don Brinn, bass player and harmonica, John Puhr, vocals and rhythm guitar, and Keith Underhill, fiddler and mandolin player, who had formed the group Faded Denim a couple months ago.
"Last Sunday afternoon we had our first road gig down at The Hideaway down in Langton, and all the proceeds that came in the door, we decided were going to donate... so with the 50-50 and the admission, we raised $400 and The Hideaway made a $50 donation to the cause," said Don Brinn, presenting a cheque for $450.
"We'd also like to thank the folks who were there last Sunday," said Puhr, giving a shout-out to many who were also in Saturday's crowd. "Give yourself a hand."