Africa Matters to host fundraising concert, April 1

Brandi Cameron
News Editor

Africa Matters, will host an outdoor concert/BBQ to raise funds, and to collect and fix bikes for Bicycles For Humanity. The event will occur near Lake Tamblyn, on Wednesday from 11am-4pm.
People are encouraged to donate their used bicycles, or to give $20 to send a bike to Africa.
“Transportation can be a huge problem in these and other developing countries,” explains Neva Bassingthwaite, coordinator for Africa Matters. “Not only can a bicycle make individuals mobile and therefore more able to gain employment or education, but supplying bikes actually creates job opportunities as maintenance and parts are required.”
Performing at the event will be Marley Giunta, Mike Filipowitsch, Clay Breiland, and Sarah Bresnahan. LU Radio will have DJs playing throughout the day, and the BBQ promises to be delicious.
“A number of local bike shops, Fresh Air Experience, Rolling Thunder and possibly Cyclepath, will also be on site if students would like to get their bikes tuned-up for summer,” says Bassingthwaite. “The event is free, although we are really encouraging students to make donations so that we can help get the bikes shipped.”
While the concert will be the prime entertainment at the fundraiser, Bassingthwaite says that other diversions will also take place.
“For those of you that did not get the chance to browse the display of jewelry made in Uganda from recycled paper (from a previous AM fundraiser), Caring Hands will be set up once again. In addition, we are going to try to raise some money through a pie-in-the-face contest. We have numerous Lakehead figures participating, such as Richard Longtin, Brent Cuthbertson and Rob Stewart.”
The club is looking for new members who care about these issues in Africa and around the globe. Most of the students involved with Africa Matters are in their fourth year, and new leadership is needed to continue the success of this group.
For more information, check out Lakehead University Supporting Africa on Facebook, or e-mail the club at africamatters@hotmail.com.