When news of a serious water crisis in Flint, Michigan, was recently reported in the media, Salvationists at London Citadel, Ont., wanted to offer support to their brothers and sisters across the border. Plans were quickly put in place for a fundraising concert, which took place in February.

When media outlets got wind of the Water of Life concert, the buzz around the project quickly grew. The event was given free publicity on several radio and television stations and in local newspapers. On the night of the concert, the corps was packed with people from the community who wanted to show their support for the people of Flint.

Major Kevin Metcalf thanks concertgoers for their generosity

“Salvationists are always prepared to respond to the needs around them,” says Major Kevin Metcalf, corps officer. “But we weren't expecting such an overwhelming response from the community.”

The concert featured the London Citadel Band, songsters and timbrels, along with performances by four soloists: Sonja Gustafson, Paul Stevenson, Amanda Palmer and Jon Rowsell. In addition to the music, the concert included a bake sale and a water station, which was managed by the young people of the corps.

The event raised $5,000, which has been sent to Flint Citadel for the ongoing work of the Army in that community.