Canadian music legend Stompin’ Tom Connors came from very modest circumstances and as people mourn his death, they are being encouraged to help the poor and homeless with donations to food banks and shelters in lieu of flowers.
Each month, 23,500 people in Nova Scotia rely on food banks - an increase of nearly 40 per cent over the past five years.
Volunteers at the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank in Halifax say any donation made in Stompin’ Tom’s name will be put to good use.
“We are extremely busy,” says Mel Boutlier of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank. “We're more busy this year than last year of course. There are more people that just can't afford to pay the bills.”
Cathy Severin has been going to Parker Street for a number of years and listening to Stompin’ Tom for even longer.
“It’s hard sometimes,” says Severin. “So to think that there’s not just Mel, but someone like, wow, Stompin’ Tom’s family, wow.”
The influx of donations in memory of Stompin’ Tom aren’t the only thing helping food banks this month - the Atlantic Superstore has launched a new initiative to provide fresh produce, meat and baked goods, in addition to the canned goods it already donates.
Organizers of the East Coast Music Week have also set out a donation box.
“It’s truly Stompin’ Tom in Stompin’ Tom style,” says ECMA co-chair Stuart Jolliffe. “He was an artist of the people, a man of the people, a true Canadian and I think he would want his legacy to be that of giving back to the people most in need.”
Those most in need agree.
“Someone who thinks of that at the end of their life, that's pretty giving, that's pretty amazing,” says Severin.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
