An annual holiday concert has packed the house in support of those in need in Chatham-Kent.
The Holiday Jam for Hunger took place at Sons of Kent Brewing Co. on Saturday, with all proceeds going to Chatham Outreach for Hunger and Hope House – Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent.
The event featured several local musicians including the bands 40 Hours Over and The Dave Trinca Xperience, as well as solo guitarist and vocalist Cole Pereira.
Organizer and local musician Alysson Storey said she was thrilled with the turnout.
“People of Chatham-Kent always come out to show their support for events like this, so I’m incredibly grateful,” she said. “People are tightening their belts this year. A lot of people are facing affordability challenges in their own homes… so I was just grateful to see everyone show up and support what we were doing.”
The Holiday Jam for Hunger was first held in 2004 and has benefitted many different community organizations. However, addressing food insecurity has become the main focus, as the need in the community continues to grow each year.
Storey said thousands of Chatham-Kent families access local food banks each year, with many new families utilizing the service for the first time in 2025.
“We’re facing an even more challenging food insecurity situation across Chatham-Kent,” said Storey. “We really have an opportunity here to make a difference.”
Last year’s concert raised over $4,000 for the two local organizations. This year’s total has yet to be announced.