Spinner

Nelly Furtado, Metric, Rush and More Help Raise Millions at Canada for Haiti Telethon

Nelly Furtado Haiti telethonCanadians reinforced their reputation as a compassionate people on Friday night as the country's Canada for Haiti telethon -- which aired across all the national stations just prior to the US-based Hope for Haiti Now -- raised money and awareness for the earthquake-shattered island nation.

Lacking some of the glitz and polish of its American counterpart, the extraordinary event still boasted several big Canadian celebrities. Michael J. Fox, William Shatner, Will Arnett and movie directors Jason Reitman and James Cameron made their pleas via pre-recorded message while pop star Nelly Furtado, indie director Adam Egoyan, actress Rachel McAdams and rock legend Geddy Lee from Rush were in studio to lend their support.

"Whenever something like this happens, celebrities are always phoned and it's kind of a no-brainer really," Lee told Spinner before the broadcast. "It's not hard to come out and show your smiling face and if it encourages one more person to phone, it's worth it."

Egoyan pointed out to Spinner that "Canada has a huge Haitian population and, as Canadians, we have the right and responsibility to support our fellow citizens and their families. This is an urgent cause. The more attention that's placed on Haiti right now, the more people will collectively try and follow how this country is going to rebuild."

Held at the CBC studios, the broadcast had a feel akin to a community gathering. Celebrities milled about as the hosts intermingled, speaking directly to the camera, sporadically interviewing the guests while reminding viewers to call in -- even if the line was busy.

As well as moving reports from several journalists stationed in Haiti, the night also boasted stripped-down musical performances from Nelly Furtado and the Tragically Hip as well as Somalia-born conscious rapper K'naan and indie darlings Metric, whose inclusion was so last-minute that lead singer Emily Haines only found out about it less than 12 hours earlier.



"I got a text from [Canada for Haiti Host] George Stroumboulopoulos a couple nights ago asking if we would play," recalled guitarist Jimmy Shaw. "After not having seen Emily for about a month and knowing she's halfway around the world and on her way back [to Toronto], I was put in a weird position to have to say yes without Emily's approval.

"When she got off the plane last night I told her, 'You're gonna have a hell of a day tomorrow.'"

Despite the lack of preparation, the duo's acoustic performance of hit single 'Help, I'm Alive' was the musical highlight of the evening which also saw the Tragically Hip cover their 'Road Apples' classic 'Fiddler's Green.'

"It was a fairly obvious choice," Haines said about her band's song selection. "Lyrically, it's so fitting and appropriate to these set of circumstances."

The evening's festivities raised money over 9 million dollars, all of which -- as Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced early in the telecast -- the Canadian federal government will match.

Donations are still being accepted and matched via the Canada for Haiti website or call 1-877-51-HAITI (42484). Please donate.


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gosha

Nelly Furtado is the best!

January 24 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave Taylor

Hey MeMe..

I totally agree, Just the best. We Canadians probably kicked A.. over all. Well done all. Organizers need a huge pat on their backs. Lots of sweat went into this. Who really cares who was where and when. Hell it is a fund raiser. God Bless Take care

January 23 2010 at 10:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Dave Taylor's comment
Artie Wilton

Yes Dave it was a fund raiser,there you go you were right I was wrong. I have my receipt do you have yours.It was a fund raiser show thats what the people were doing on the stage.Thats my opinion Dave, it might not be what you want to hear to bad deal with it.You should let people have there own opinion ,just because you don't agree doesn't mean your opinion is right.You must of been the teachers pet always telling on the other kids God Bless Davey

January 24 2010 at 10:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Meme

Both shows were great! Just give a donation.

January 23 2010 at 10:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Artie Wilton

I watched both were was the canadas finest they were in the USA on there net work Neil young on Cons last night. Were was Anne Murry we supported her over the years.Were was the rest of them that we bought there cds over the years shame on you. Now I realy see why they are the USA and we are Canada we get one hour they get two hours,We walk around a stage thinking we are important they know they are inportant what a differance.Yes I'm pround to be from Canada and I did give.Shame on you Canada's musical artist.

January 23 2010 at 4:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Artie Wilton's comment
Dave Taylor

What to He.. Artie..

This was not a show to see who was the best..It was a show to raise money for the Hatian people. We did that and Pround Canadians wanted to donate and most did not care who was on line but wanted to donate. Man, how many do you think they could get on stage. You are shooting down all the time and energy put into making this MONEY RAISER such a success it was. Give us a break!.. God Bless EVERYONE. Take care.

January 23 2010 at 10:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave Taylor

Hi Artie.,


Sorry that I cannot reply directly to your comment about me being a teachers pet, opposite. Matter of face I was not and yes I have my receipt for $50 in my hand. I only finished grade 8 and took my highschool leaving when I was 40yrs old.Did 20 years on the military and 14 yrs on a police service, retired at 60 yrs ols with $24,000 per year. You put your opinion on and I put mine. No problem. But don't try to shoot someone down because he put an opinion on. Take care God Bless

January 24 2010 at 10:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alice Arens

It was easier to watch our Canadian show as they showed the positive side of HOPE. The other program was a downer and hard to watch. Support and encouragement is needed now.

January 23 2010 at 4:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joanne

Last night's special "Canada For Haiti" was disappointing. Too much talking and not enough music. On the other hand, George Clooney's "HOPE FOR HAITI" was great.

January 23 2010 at 3:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Joanne's comment
bushleit

This was not a entertainment show ... did you even bother to make a donation?

January 23 2010 at 3:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave Taylor

Hey Joanne.
This was not an entertainment show. This was a show to incite Canadians to part with some of thier money and help the down trodden Haitians get back on thier feet. Many people need a kick in the A.. to get up and get going. The announcers did their damndest to do just that. Last count I heard was around $10,000,000. Well done CANADA. Take care and God Bless EVERYONE!!!

January 23 2010 at 10:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply