Coming Together Concert Draws Strong Support In Wainwright

Residents gathered at Wallace Park in Wainwright on Thursday, October 22, for the Coming Together Concert, an evening of live music and fundraising in support of those affected by the tragic October 17 incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

Spearheaded by country music artist and Wainwright native Ryan Lindsay, the concert drew a strong turnout from the community despite chilly temperatures. The weather remained pleasant enough for the outdoor event, allowing residents to enjoy the performances while showing their support for those impacted by the tragedy.

The incident claimed the lives of four Canadian soldiers, Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark, and left 39 others injured.

In a Facebook post leading up to the concert, Lindsay shared what inspired him to organize the event and reflected on the impact the tragedy has had on his hometown.

“I was sitting there watching the Canadian Geese fly south and just thinking about our fallen Canadian soldiers at home and their families and the first responders in Wainwright and the medical staff and just the ripple effect that this has caused for the community, it’s so heavy and I think we’re all just trying to process it,” Lindsay said.

He also spoke about the importance of bringing people together during difficult times.

“I think there’s some healing when we come together and some healing in music, so it’s something I really wanted to do to back the community,” he said.

Lindsay was joined on stage by Jessie Bird Music and Paul & the Feels, who lent their talents to the fundraising effort. Organized in just a matter of days, the concert brought together musicians, local organizations and volunteers who helped make the event possible.

Admission was by donation, with proceeds directed to the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation. Funds raised will go directly towards local relief efforts, military family support and support services for first responders, emergency services personnel, healthcare workers and others affected by the tragedy.

The park opened at 4 p.m., with live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Attendees were encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, while pizza by the slice, Hero’s Food Truck and hot beverages were available on-site.

For Lindsay, organizing the concert in his hometown was a way to contribute to the relief efforts while providing residents with an opportunity to gather following the devastating events at the military base.

The strong turnout demonstrated the community’s willingness to support those affected, with the evening bringing residents together for a shared purpose while raising funds to assist those facing the aftermath of the tragedy.

“We were so grateful to everyone who came out for the event. People were so generous and gave without hesitation which really helped kickstart an awareness to the fund that we have set up with the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation. There has been an outpouring of support online for the community of Wainwright and we are encouraging people to continue to donate online so that those supports can reach the the local community to those affected by this past weeks events,” said Lindsay.

Go to www.ryanlindsaymusic.com/comingtogether to learn more and find out how to donate. - Photo credit Megan Clarke -