Presbyterians are responding to the disaster left by Hurricane Katrina by volunteering their time and energy for short-term mission trips to Mississippi and Louisiana. A 26-person team from Ivy Presbyterian in New Tecumseth, Ont., will be making its way to Baton Rouge in August to rebuild homes that were destroyed by the hurricane. Ages of the mission-goers range from 12 to 70-something.
To raise money for this trip, the congregation is hosting the Katrina Bluegrass Benefit on June 9 at the Tottenham arena. As a salute to the deep musical roots in New Orleans, the concert will feature some of the best bluegrass bands in Canada.
Steve Zimmerman, Ivy's ministry team leader, was in the area last November to deliver a truckload of toys to children who had lost everything. “At that time, I was interested in returning with our church to help with the rebuilding,” he said. “I put the proposal of going to New Orleans to help and 26 people from our little church put up their hands to go.”
The Department of World Affairs in Baton Rouge said it will send a delegate to present the Key to New Tecumseth. A sister-city relationship between the two communities will be established during the ceremony. Ivy is planning on arranging mission trips over the next few years to offer continued support.
Details of the event are as follows:
When: June 9.
Where: Tottenham Arena, Tottenham, Ont.
What: Some of the best bluegrass bands in Canada.
Cost: $15. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold.
How: Buy tickets at any REMAX office in Barrie, Tottenham, Angus, Alliston and Innisfil.
For more information on bands and tickets
call 1-877-324-7555
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