The local Tragically Hip tribute band is gearing up to return to the stage for its Hip for Hospice event, held in support of the Stedman Community Hospice, on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
The hospice, which serves residents living in Brantford, the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Norfolk and Haldimand counties, provides-end-of-life patient care through its ten bed in-residence program, community outreach, and grief and bereavement support programs.
Julie Powell, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Lifecare Foundation (the official fundraising organization for Stedman), explained that because the government only provides 50 per cent of funding for the hospice, the team there depends on the community to help cover the other 50 per cent.
“We really rely on the support of organizations, individuals and groups in the community to help fund the hospice in regards to the sort of day-to-day bills that you have in your home like utilities and food, and the frontline grief and bereavement support programs,” said Powell. “Events like this one are so important to ensure we have the funding we need so no family ever receives a surprise bill.”
The five-piece band first held the event this past January alongside local band, Peeler, and raised just over $15,000 for the cause.
Mike Campbell, lead singer for 50 Mission, said that as an employee of SC Johnson, as well as a volunteer firefighter with the County of Brant Fire Department, he’s no stranger to supporting the hospice and wanted to continue giving back.
After pitching the idea to the band back in 2023, things took off from there and the band hit the stage the following January, he said.
“We ended up having a great turnout, between 600 to 700 people, and we managed to raise $15,050 which was awesome,” said Campbell. “The Stedman Hospice has been a big part of the community for two decades now and it’s really touched the hearts of a lot of residents so people love showing up and supporting it anyway they can.”
With the second edition of Hip for Hospice just around the corner, Campbell said that attendees can expect another great show with all the Hip’s classic hits.
“Our opening act this year is the Empty Hours, another local Brantford band; they’ve been together since high school and they’re in and around their 50s now so they’ve got a lot of experience and it’s always a fun show when they’re involved,” said Campbell. “As for 50 Mission, we do a lot of the hits and so for Tragically Hip fans, hopefully it sparks some memories. There’ll be a lot of early stuff off the first three albums, as well as a few songs from their others as well, and we’re always sure to include songs like ‘Ahead by a Century’ and ‘Bobcaygeon.’ It’s just going to be a great night of live music and people are more than welcome to get up and dance as long as they aren’t blocking the main aisles.”
Powell said that she’s thankful for 50 Missions support and that having been in attendance during the last show, she’s looking forward to another great performance.
“We are incredibly grateful to 50 Mission, they’ve done a great job promoting the show and I know it’s going to be a great night, I’m really looking forward to another fun show,” she said.
For those interested in attending the benefit concert, tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://calendar.sandersoncentre.ca/Default/Detail/2025-01-04-2000-A-Tragically-Hip-Experience-with-50-Mission-in-sup
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
