With the good weather and thoughts of the beach, garden or camp, it is easy to not think about those needing help, said organizers of the 18th annual Blues For Food street festival, at their kick-off event Thursday at Downtown Sudbury offices. Blues For Food takes place Sat., June 21, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The reality is that, each month, over 10,000 people use the
services of the 43 agencies served by the Sudbury Food Bank,
said Geoffrey Lougheed, board chair of the Sudbury Food Bank.
Food reserves can be depleted this time of year, he said.
"The Sudbury Food Bank provides a social safety net in this city so that people at risk do not get forgotten," said Lougheed.
But each June, the Rotary Club of Sudbury and Downtown Sudbury - the business improvement agency - co-operate to organize the popular blues street festival that is fun for all ages. The goal is to raise money and food for the Sudbury Food Bank at a time of year when the donations are most needed.
The day features a series of local blues bands and a headline act from outside the community. This year, a well known children's performer, Jake, two-time Juno nominee for children's music, will energize the younger members of the audience. For parents, Hipshake, Tightrope, Tommy Fyfe and Whisky River, In Good Company, The Bluz Brothers tribute band, and Mr. MD and the Aural Exciters are the groups performing.
Durham Street between Elgin and Larch streets will be closed for the day.
Admission to the event is a non-perishable food item or cash
donation. Blues For Food sunglasses are also being sold for
$10. All proceeds go to the food bank, said Dan Xilon,
administrator with the food bank.
 
"We have already sold 1,000 sunglasses, mostly to companies for
their employees," said Xilon.
Over the years the Blues For Food festival has been running, $139,700 and 78 tonnes of food, worth approximately $312,000, has been donated to the Sudbury Food Bank, said Maureen Luoma, executive director of Downtown Sudbury.
