East Vancouver Churches Organize Benefit for Jasper

A member of First Lutheran Church in east Vancouver is organizing a benefit concert for the Anglican Parish of St. Mary’s and St. George’s, Jasper and the Jasper Community Team Society (Jasper Fire: Caring Community Fund).

When Claire Landry heard that wildfire had consumed more than 350 homes, businesses and several churches in Jasper last July, the news “hit close to home.”

Although Landry now lives in Vancouver, she was a resident of Jasper, from 1982 to 87, and made lifelong friends in the community.

“I lived in town and would often cycle past St. Mary’s and St. George’s on my way to work at the Jasper Park Lodge. It was a beautiful church,” she says.

“Jasper is very close to my heart. I have friends who lost their homes and others who were fortunate to keep theirs.

Watching the news reports, Landry turned to her spouse and said, “I think I can do something to help.”

Though Landry says she does not have a lot of fundraising experience, her friends at St. Thomas Anglican Church recently raised money to renovate their building.

The two church communities are within walking distance of each other and “have a tight bond.” When St. Thomas was renovating, first Lutheran offered its worship space. “We shared services for some time,” says Landry.

Landry asked St. Thomas for guidance in planning the October 26 concert in support of the Jasper Anglican parish and Jasper Community Team Society.

Musicians and choristers from both churches have been invited to participate and form a combined choir.

Landry’s local Queer community is spreading the word about the concert, as are several Jasper organizations.  

She hopes to sell 200 tickets at $20 each. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free.

Donations to the Jasper Anglican Church Fund can be made online via the Edmonton diocese's website. Select "Jasper Fire Fund" from the dropdown menu.