Céline Dion, Justin Bieber, Margaret Atwood ... A host of Canadian celebrities, confined due to coronavirus, participated on Sunday, April 26, in a concert evening in tribute to those who are fighting against the new coronavirus and to raise funds for food banks.
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The evening called “Stronger Together / Tous Ensemble”, broadcast on several television and radio channels or by streaming, brought together many personalities who sang or launched messages of solidarity from their living rooms or their kitchens, such as Céline Dion.
The Canadian diva paid tribute to all those who go to work in health or provide essential services despite the risks. She wished her fellow citizens to "stay healthy and as positive as possible" . Writer Margaret Atwood expressed her belief that " we will get to the end of this tunnel" and that when we get there, "we will have to think of different and better ways of doing things" .
A historic event
Testimonies and messages of solidarity alternated with songs during the 90 minutes of the show which was not interrupted by any advertising break.
Among the participants were singers Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, Alessia Cara, Shania Twain or Buffy Sainte-Marie, rapper Drake, as well as actors like Kiefer Sutherland or Ryan Reynolds ... But also athletes, anonymous and VIPs like ex-astronaut and Governor General of Canada Julie Payette, or Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called on Canadians to be careful and stay home.
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The event, described by the media as the largest multi-platform program in the history of television broadcasting in Canada, was also intended to raise funds for food banks in Canada. Canadians have apparently been generous as the organizer, FoodBanks Canada (Food Banks Canada), indicated on its Twitter account that it was experiencing technical difficulties and that donations could continue after the end of the event.