advertisement
FYI

Gertrudes Remember Parham Tragedy with Video and Charity Single

Canadian folk band The Gertrudes has released a new single, Parham, with all proceeds going towards the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

Gertrudes Remember Parham Tragedy with Video and Charity Single

By External Source

Canadian folk band The Gertrudes has released a new single, Parham, with all proceeds going towards the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). The single can be purchased on the group’s Bandcamp page for $1, but those that can afford to pay more are able and encouraged to do so. The song is also available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.


The song was written in commemoration of the June 7, 2020 events that took place in the town of Parham, Ont. On that day, a gunman opened fire and injured one person, and also burned down the town’s historic St. James Anglican church. The perpetrator was subsequently charged with two counts of arson, and two counts of attempted murder. Parham is located about an hour north of Kingston, the city The Gertrudes call home.

advertisement

“CMHA is grateful for The Gertrudes’ commitment to supporting community mental health programs and services so we can be there when and where people need us,” Margaret Eaton, national CEO of the CMHA said in a press release. “These are times of increased anxiety, stress and isolation for all people in Canada, but we will get through this.”

The CMHA provides services to over 1.3 million Canadians and is powered by 5000 employees alongside 11,000 volunteers. According to the organization’s website, its mission is to facilitate “access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness.”

– Continue reading this Mason Bugaresti feature on the Samaritanmag website.

advertisement
Amber Still, executive director of the Polaris Music Prize
Johanna Stickland

Amber Still, executive director of the Polaris Music Prize

Awards

‘Protect the Prize’: The Polaris Music Prize Undergoes Its Biggest Period of Change

Now entering its third decade, the Canadian critic’s prize has expanded its voting pool, adjusted to financial constraints and expanded to award both albums and songs. After years defined by its refined focus, the changes mark a major expansion of the organization’s mission.

In 2025, the Polaris Music Prize celebrated its 20th anniversary. Entering its third decade, the award is undergoing what might be its biggest period of change. From funding to voting process, the organization is continuing to evolve.

The cultural not-for-profit organization has spent the better part of two decades creating a space in the industry for Canadian acts to be recognized based solely artistic merit, rather than sales, genre or support from a record label. Founded in the 2000s as Canada's answer to the Mercury Prize, the organization became a registered Canadian charity in 2017.

keep readingShow less
advertisement