Virtual gala launches across Canada to raise funds for COVID-19

More than 20 Canadian cities to host Stay at Home Gala events on May 2

KELOWNA, BC, April 23, 2020 /CNW/ - On May 2, more than 20 cities from coast to Canadian coast will connect online for the national Stay at Home Gala. The Stay at Home Gala will host all the familiar elements of a gala: renowned speakers like André Picard, Canada's top health and public policy observer and commentator and music and entertainment from Canadian artists such as Juno Award and Polaris Prize-nominated singer Tanika Charles. Social distance at its finest, guests will dress up and welcome Canadian personalities into their living rooms. 

What: National Stay at Home Gala
When:Saturday, May 2 starting at 8 p.m. E.S.T.
Where: Online -- register at https://stayathomegala.com/

In addition to the national broadcast -- which is available for all Canadians -- a growing list of cities will present their own local galas to bookend the national event. Cities from Ottawa to Victoria will welcome regional talent to their stages. 

What started as a vision to bring together the Okanagan community on March 2, will now unite Canadians across the country. Kelowna's first Stay at Home Gala resonated with attendees as a way to unite and rally to support each other, surpassing their goal and raising $22,073 in five days. 

"It is really phenomenal to experience Canadians helping Canadian," says Stay at Home Gala lead volunteer and founder Drew Vincent, who hosts daily webinars for the growing team of volunteers.

When Vincent began to receive requests to replicate the event from across the country, the team completely made up of volunteers -- began to put together resources to help launch the event for other communities.

"COVID-19 changes our way of living," Vincent says, "but it doesn't change the Canadian spirit to rally during a time of need." 

While Vincent admits that a virtual gala is different from what most people are used to, he says the format is a great way to come together, have fun and contribute to a good cause.

The Stay at Home Galas have partnered with the Community Foundations Canada to direct all proceeds to community foundations across Canada. 

SOURCE Stay at Home Galas