A long-awaited fundraiser for the Bluewater Health Foundation, featuring two popular Canadian bands, will kick off this weekend.
The Block Party, presented by Carpenters Union 1256, will begin on Friday. The Trews will headline Friday night's event and Walk off the Earth will headline Saturday's concert.
Bluewater Health Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander said tickets will be available at the gate as they are not yet sold out.
The goal is to raise $80,000 for mental health and addiction programs at Bluewater Health.
The two-day event was originally scheduled to take place in June 2020 but was delayed and eventually cancelled due to COVID-19. Tickets holders were refunded for the 2020 show.
The fundraiser was then rescheduled to take place in 2021 but was postponed again to 2022. Alexander said while some opted to request refunds, most people held onto their tickets.
Past organizer Dan Edwards said he's happy the show will go on.
"My favourite part about it though is that the bands agreed to come back, I think that's amazing!"
Edwards said he's also amazed at how the event has grown over the years considering it started out as "just an idea." He credits the team effort of those involved in the community event.
Edwards started the block party initiative with the Do It For Sarnia campaign a few years ago with the goal of raising $150,000. He wanted to "pay it forward" after he and his family received community support after an accident left Edwards paralyzed in 2006.
After previously reaching that goal, Edwards said he has stepped away from the block party planning committee but will always be involved in some capacity as an "honorary member."
"I will definitely help out each year. I will definitely be a part in some capacity but not to the [same] degree," he said.
Despite progress made over the years in raising mental health awareness, Edwards said there is more work to be done.
"We as a society have always looked at mental health as something that you put on the back burner. But now we've realized, especially after the last two years, that mental health is vital," he said. "When we neglect it, we know how severe and how damaging it can be."
The Block Party will take place at the Suncor Agora in Centennial Park. Red Wanting Blue will open for The Trews Friday night. Tickets for general admission cost $40. Monowhales will play Saturday night with Walk Off The Earth and general admission tickets cost $45.
