‘It’s just really amazing’: Benefit concert held for those impacted by Long Lake wildfire

A benefit concert was held Sunday to support those impacted by the Long Lake wildfire.

The fire in West Dalhousie, N.S., has been burning for more than a month and has destroyed 20 homes.

The benefit concert was spearheaded by both the Lawrencetown and Middleton Lions Clubs after members of The Hillbilly Band pitched the idea. Organizers say it all came together quickly.

“We thought about it and said, ‘What can we do?’ Our bass player Floreen put it out there on Facebook and the reaction was unreal,” said John Bent with The Hillbilly Band.

They had a list of musicians quickly volunteer but still needed to find a venue. That’s where the Lions Club came in.

“I reached out to (Floreen) and said, ‘We have a venue’,” said Jane Gregory with the Lawrencetown and District Lions Club. “The Lawrencetown Fire Hall where we can hold 300 people.”

People packed the hall to show their support. Nine bands took to the stage to share their music and raise money.

As of Sunday, the Long Lake wildfire is still being held at 8,468 hectares.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said work continues on the ground and in the air. Five helicopters, four planes, and about 70 firefighters were on site Sunday.

While some people have now returned home, there are others who have lost everything.

“This older gentleman, he lives in West Dalhousie, and he had 104 acres of woodlot and today he has 104 acres of ash,” said Gregory. “That was his livelihood.”

The Lions Club has already raised $11,000 and it hopes the community support will help drive that number up.

“It’s just fantastic the support. It’s just really amazing when it comes to supporting one another,” said Bent. To make a donation, the public can contact the Lawrencetown and District Lions Club.

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