The Dundee Concert For Haiti in February raised £16,000 for the earthquake-hit region, it has been revealed.
A cheque was presented by the organisers to Oxfam after a “surprise” collection from Ladbrokes in Dundee and a “hugely generous” donation from Fat Sams, who hosted the event in February.
The concert, organised by The Courier and Evening Telegraph, featured the cream of Dundee talent as well as acts from across the country, and attracted 1200 music fans to Fat Sams on February 20.
Local companies provided raffle prizes, hotels in Dundee and Perth accommodated visiting acts and local restaurants and pubs fed the bands and crew.
Over £14,000 was raised through that and, with the latest donations, the £16,000 total was presented to Clare McDowall, Oxfam’s Scotland community fund-raising manager.
She accepted the cheque from Fat Sams director Angus Robb, saying, “Oxfam is very grateful to accept this amazing donation from the Dundee people.
“I want to say thank you to The Courier, the Telegraph and Gus at Fat Sams for organising such a fantastic event, and all the people in Dundee for coming along.
“It was a truly great night, everything went well and the bands were fantastic.”
She added, “From every single person involved through to Fat Sams for their hugely generous donation, the city of Dundee should be proud of itself. “HelpClare said the money would help Haitians get their lives back in order.
In the immediate aftermath relief was concentrated on saving lives and helping people get over the initial effects, whereas efforts are now aimed at rebuilding.
The total was realised after a “surprise” donation of £900 from Ladbrokes in Dundee, who had staged a fund-raising drive in shops across the area.
Ladbrokes’ Richard Melville said, “We are delighted to be able to help out such a worthwhile cause and would like to thank our customers, whose generosity made it possible.”
Dundee favourites The View, The Law, Luva Anna and Lefty & Friends combined as a supergroup called Lavvie Wall Nun.
Michael Marra played with The Hazey Janes while local acts included Miami Vince, Lost Todorovs, Revolver, Boogalusa and The Craze with singer-songwriter Roberto Cassani.
Dundee-born DJ Jim Gellatly and journalist, broadcaster and author Martel Maxwell compered, while Glasgow songwriters Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly, Sheffield band Dead Like Harry, TV personality Greg McHugh (Gary Tank Commander) and Glasgow’s Cairn String Quartet were also in attendance.