By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on February 14, 2020
ALBANY success story The Waifs contributed to raising more than half a million dollars for fire services and wildlife protection at a concert in Fremantle late last month.
It was announced last week that the two Fire Aid Benefit Concerts featuring John Butler, The Waifs, San Cisco, Stella Donnelly and Carla Geneve raised more than $650,000 to support the east coast in the wake of the devastating bushfires.
Band Manager Phil Stevens said the concert concept originated from himself and the bands as a direct reaction to the horrendous images and stories that emerged from the fire crisis.
“It was a very emotional time for Dave and Josh from The Waifs because their homes in Moruya and Cobargo had to be evacuated,” he said.
“You can imagine the stress they were going through.
“However, they knew that playing these concerts was the most effective way for them to make a difference.”
The concerts were announced within 72 hours of the idea being proposed.
Fremantle Arts Centre Director Jim Cathcart said the sold-out shows were an uplifting experience.
“These acclaimed musicians all have a strong association with Fremantle, and it was great to see the WA public coming together out of a passionate concern for the people, animals and bushland affected by these devastating fires,” he said.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to a number of causes including local New South Wales and Victorian fire services, the Wildlife Victoria Fund, and local communities such as Cobargo and Moruya where David and Josh from The Waifs live.
As well as giving their time to perform, the musicians also donated merchandise on the night along with Fire Fund t-shirts and tea towels.
Other money raised will go to the Freo Fire Fund, which will direct the money raised to a number of different organisations involved in the bushfire relief effort including Australian Red Cross, Foodbank and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
