The common stereotype had always been that Canadians are an incredibly kind, compassionate and caring group of people, and they seem to really live up to those expectations in spectacular ways. Earlier in November, Canadian Music Week presented the Canadian progressive rock band Rush the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award in recognition of the many charities and donations they’ve helped, like Doctors Without Borders, United Way, and even their local Toronto Food Bank.
As part of the prize, the rock legends were given the chance to donate $40,000 to any charity of their choosing; they have since decided to donate it all to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research. Gord Downie, the co-founder and frontman for beloved Canadian rock band the Tragically Hip, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year in May. Afterwards, the band headed out on a final tour over the summer which ended in a nationally televised live show; it was reported that many Canadian tears were had that day.
“We are pleased to direct this generous donation from the Allan Slaight Humanitarian award to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook,” Rush wrote in a Facebook post. “Many Canadian families have been affected either directly or indirectly by this terrible disease. Through Gord’s courageous efforts this cause is now getting the attention it desperately deserves. As a fellow musician and friend, it’s our turn to help support his efforts to fight brain cancer now.”
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