Local opioid advocacy group Ptbo Strong is beginning its series of four fundraising concerts this Saturday (August 31) — International Overdose Awareness Day — with a performance by AC/DC tribute band Salute AC/DC.
The not-for-profit group was formed in July as a local response to the growing opioid crisis in Peterborough. The board of Ptbo Strong includes Sheila Ball, Tim Burke, Tim Farquharson, and Tami Perau.
As well as raising awareness, Ptbo Strong is raising funds to go toward a safe consumption site, to support existing agencies and programs, and eventually for a healing centre.
All four fundraising concerts take place at sponsor location The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough) and, with the exception of the September 14th pay-what-you-can show, cost $20.
Tickets for the concerts are available online at www.eventbrite.ca/o/ptbostrong-26253042843. All shows are age-of-majority events.
The Salute AC/DC show begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st.
The next concert is “An Afternoon of Blues/R&B”, presented by Ptbo Strong and RE/MAX Eastern Reality Inc., which takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 8th. It will feature performances by Logan Murray and The Spoon Lickers, Ryan Weber with Emily Burgess, Lindsay Barr, The Kings, Jordan John, and The Soul Brothers.
The following Saturday (September 14), Ptbo Strong presents “For the Love of Community”, a fundraiser for Warming Room Community Ministries. The event features zumba and salsa dancing from 6:30 to 9 p.m., followed at 9:15 p.m. by live music from Alphabreff, Kerry Jayne, Hillary Dumoulin, and the Tonya Bosch Band. There will also be spoken word by Wes Ryan and Jon Hedderwick and a silent auction throughout the evening.
Donations are welcomed at the door, with a tax receipt issued for donations of $20 or more.
Finally, on Sunday, September 14th, Ptbo Strong and Waste Connections present “A Night of Folk and Pop Rock” beginning at 7 p.m. Performers include Caitlin Currie, Kate Suhr, Dévah Quartet, David Barrett, and The Quickshifters.
In addition to the fundraising concerts, Ptbo Strong is launching a restaurant coupon booklet featuring specials at more than 40 local restaurants, with offers valid until the end of 2020. The booklets will go on sale in September for $30.
For more information and updates on Ptbo Strong, visit peterboroughstrong.com. You can also follow the group on Facebook.
