Many Cape Bretoners are considering the benefit concert held in Sydney for those affected by the wildfires in Alberta as historic.
The event at Centre 200 Sunday night held almost 600,000 people – many from Fort McMurray.
“I guess you could use the word ‘magical’,” says concert music director Fred Lavery. “There was just so many moments during the night, there was a lot of emotion in the room.”
Emotions ran high not only for the people of Fort McMurray. The performers felt themselves getting misty-eyed while on stage – especially those with family and friends in Fort Mac.
The most emotional moment of the night was when the fundraising total was announced – a staggering $250,000.
No one was happier than Fort McMurray’s mayorMelissa Blake, who joined the crowd on a live stream during the concert
“Oh my goodness,” said Blake. “I can’t wait to thank the fabulous folks of Cape Breton.”
Many concert attendees say they can’t remember the last time they saw the Centre 200 building so packed. Even 20,000 people who couldn’t attend the concert watched from their homes online.
“It’s a night that we’ll be talking about for years to come, I’m sure,” says attendee Boyd MacNeil.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
