Nova Scotia currently has the highest rates of police-reported human trafficking in all of Canada. In a report released this year by Statistics Canada, Halifax was shown to be well above the national average. It’s not a statistic most would be comfortable with, and it’s something Amy Lou Keeler of folk duo Mama’s Broke was not prepared to tolerate.
In response, Keeler has organized Porch Light: Music, art and poetry, a benefit concert for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Mainland Nova Scotia’s Girls Against Trafficking and Exploitation (GATE) program.
“I started working with Elizabeth Fry Society recently. What they do for women, trans people and gender diverse people is crucial. The staff there are the most passionate and hardworking people in the helping profession I have ever met. As soon as I got involved I wanted to do something big to help. I’m a musician so I thought: I’ll get a bunch of musicians together for a benefit concert and help as best I can,” says Amy Keeler of Mama’s Broke.
For the event, Keeler has put together a three-act bill, featuring Vancouver-based Dani-Rae Clark, Dartmouth’s award-winning alt-rocker Mo Kenney, and Mama’s Broke, Keeler’s own duo with bandmate Lisa Maria.
With 100% of the proceeds from the event going directly to the two organizations named, the long-term goal of the fundraising effort is to purchase a house that would serve as a refuge for
female-identifying young people aged 12 to 24 who are at risk of entering, are currently involved in or are survivors of trafficking throughout Nova Scotia.
The event will take place at The Stage at St Andrew’s in Halifax on Friday, October 29th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are for sale now and cost $45. They can be purchased online only via Eventbrite HERE.