Unison COVID-19 Relief Program
The world is facing one of its greatest challenges. People from all walks of life are facing health risks and financial uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians are unable to tour, leaving numerous entertainment professionals suddenly out of work, venue owners have closed their doors, and laid off staff and the trickle-down effect is extraordinary.
Since the outbreak, Unison has received an overwhelming number of requests for assistance from the music community. Registrations have increased by 1,900% or nearly $200,000 per week.
Now more than ever, Unison’s emergency relief assistance is a critical safety-net for members of our Canadian music industry deeply affected by the COVID-19 virus itself and the precautions and protocols surrounding it. As a response, we are proud to launch the Unison COVID-19 Relief Program. "We would like to thank the Slaight Family Foundation for their partnership and generous donation of $250,000, which will be matched by the Unison office", says Executive Director Amanda Power. "Funding will be allocated towards housing costs, medical expenses, and groceries."
“The creative community adds so much inspiration to our daily lives through their talents and now more than ever they need our support during this crisis” says Gary Slaight, President and CEO of Slaight Communications. “I hope that our donation to The Unison Fund will inspire others to do the same as our artists need our support”.
This initial $500,000 for the Unison COVID-19 Relief Program will help our community for the short-term, however in order to meet the growing demand for support, we need partners to ensure a future for our Canadian music community. As the story continues to unfold, Unison will be there for the music community every step of the way and we hope you will too.
If you work in the Canadian music industry and require assistance, please REGISTER for Unison’s services asap. For counselling inquiries and support to help deal with the financial or emotional impact of COVID-19, please contact 1-855-986-4766. For emergency financial assistance inquiries, please review our application process HERE.
To learn more about partnership opportunities, donations or inquiries, please contact sponsorship@unisonfund.ca ...
Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community. We are here to help professional music makers in times of hardship, illness or economic difficulties. Unison Benevolent Fund is an assistance program – created and administered for the music community, by the music community – designed to provide discreet relief to music industry professionals in times of crisis through financial assistance and counselling and health solutions.
The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight is known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, music leader and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture.
General Information
Info. on federal COVID-19 Emergency Response Package
General updates - Government of Canada
General information - World Health Organization
Information on mass gatherings - Government of Canada
Info. on Ontario state of Emergency and restrictions - Gov. of Ontario
Info. on Canada-U.S. border closure - CBC.ca
Airline cancellation policies - Collected by Forbes
Funding Information
Info. On Ontario Arts Council Funding
Info. on Canadian Heritage Funding
Info. on Canada Council Funding
Info. on funding and event cancellation from Toronto Arts Council
Please help us as we prepare to support the most vulnerable during this time by making a donation to Unison.