A local celebration of music and togetherness has raised thousands of dollars in support of reconciliation in Canada.
Just over $6,600 was raised during HipFest 2025 at Sons of Kent Brewing Company on Saturday for the Downie Wenjack Fund.
“The Sons of Kent HipFest is about more than just great music and good times,” said Doug Hunter, co-founder of Sons of Kent, in a news release. “It’s about honouring Gord Downie’s legacy and helping support the important work of the Downie Wenjack Fund. We are deeply humbled by the generosity of our community and sponsors who made this donation possible.”
This year’s event brought around 900 people together to celebrate the music of The Tragically Hip through the Grace2 Band. A special Downie Wenjack Pislner Beer was also created for the event, which sold out in record time.
Since 2024, Sons of Kent has raised over $12,500 for the Downie Wenjack Fund, a charitable organization dedicated to building cultural understanding and creating a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
