A VERY Worthwhile Cause: The Unison Benevolent Fund

Many musicians and people within the music industry work without a net.  No medical benefits, no health insurance beyond medicare, no place to turn in time of financial crisis, addiction or mental health issues.  

Over the years, many people have tried to set up a fund that can be accessed by these people in times of need.  But it’s very, very difficult–and expensive.  Yes, there are some who are part of a musicians’ union, but there are far, far more people who aren’t enrolled or aren’t eligible.

Happily, Canada now has something almost in place.  It’s called the Unison Benevolent Fund, a registered charity that will act as an assistance and referral fund created and administered by the music industry.  From the website:

Discreet relief in time of personal crisis and hardship, for the music industry, by the music industry.

Those of us in the music industry have chosen this calling because we are passionate about music… we do it first and foremost for love of the work, and we hope that it will allow us to earn a living and look after our loved ones. 

There was an industry kick-off event last night which announced the first $500,000 of funding for Unison.  The goal is to get to $1 million by the end of the year so the organization can begin taking calls and offering that much-needed assistance.

If you’re in any way interested in helping to raise money for Unison, please email them at [email protected]