Acrpost: A Project of the Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres

Event Description

On September 20 2017 Hurricane Maria made direct landfall on Puerto Rico. Aftermath of Hurricane Maria has been catastrophic, leaving millions without power, clean drinking water and limited food.
Not only has this disaster nearly destroyed the island, but so has the lack of media coverage and most significantly the lack of overall support from the US government.

As some may recall, Donald Trump made half-hearted efforts for Texas once it was hit by Hurricane Ima, but without question provided financial relief. However when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico he arrived and down played the current events by comparing the death toll of Hurricane Katrina to the Hurricane Maria, and then tossed paper towel rolls into the crowd.
16 died in the hurricane but the death toll is climbing weekly because of current unchanging conditions in Puerto Rico and will result in thousands dyeing after all.

On October 12 Donald Trump announced that the federal government’s emergency responders can’t stay in Puerto Rico “forever” and blamed the island for a financial crisis “largely of their own making”, claiming that all infrastructure and electric was a “disaster” before the Hurricane. At this point the entire island of Puerto Rico had power in less than 10% of it due to the damages caused by Hurricane Maria.

Since that day many native Puerto Ricans are leaving the island due to lack of change, health safety, and lack of work. No one is able to make money to change the situation on the island so they are getting work on the US mainland and this way send what little is made back home. Donald Trump has not made any other attempts to assist the US Territory besides the visit he made with the paper towel in September. The FEMA is still in Puerto Rico, however the financial supports provided to Puerto Rico are being added to the endless and murky debt to the US.

The reason for a Puerto Rico Benefit in Victoria BC is because as Canadian neighbours to the US we can see how the President of America is treating their own people in a disaster. It is a chance to both inform more people on the disaster left by Hurricane Maria and be the humanitarians we are by fundraising for this crisis.

The charity that all Proceeds will be going to is Sing For Relief a project organised by Opera Singer Palcido Domingo, where he will match every donation dollar for dollar and then distribute the money in the following percentages to these four direct relief funds for Puerto Rico and Mexico:
50%-Mexican Red Cross (Mexico has be been hit with a monstrous Earthquake)
20%-Embracing Puerto Rico, led by Fundacion Banco Popular
15%-Hispanic Federation
15%-United for Puerto Rico

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/sing-for-relief

Why did Cabaret Voltaire Diversions chose Sing For Relief?
Firstly Placido Domingo was one of the first to start a campaign and used his celebrity to both spread the word and aid significantly by matching every dollar in the fundraising. Secondly the distribution of the funding by Sing For Relief is targeting all areas of need by donating to the different organisations. Embracing Puerto Rico for example is focusing on shelter and re-building, The Hispanic Federation’s focus is clean water and food. United For Puerto Rico was established by the First Lady of Puerto Rico and is working on supporting victims of the hurricanes (medical and relocation). And lastly because Cabaret Voltaire Diversions enjoys Placido Domingo’s work as an artist and musician!

The Puerto Rico Benefit will be a fun night of music, art, holiday goodies and goodwill, and will be our opportunity to have Puerto Rico in our hearts at this time of year.

The Holiday Market will feature local and talented artisans and vendors from The Mini Maddness Markets. All donations at the market will be added to the funds going to Sing For Relief.

The Market will begin at 5pm and run until the music begins.

There will also be a Silent Auction featuring items from local businesses and artists that could not be at the market. All Proceeds made at the Silent Auction will go to Sing For Relief.

The Silent Auction will begin at 7pm and winners will be announced at 11pm

Music will begin at 10 and will be provided by
General Gruff
Dane Loucks
Emochanel
Under Palms

$10 advance tickets will be available at Garden of Eden and Cavity Curiosity Shop or
$12 at the door
All proceeds after Bands travel costs are taken care will go to Sing For Relief