Rise Again 2009

More than 2,200 Manitobans evacuated from their homes.

Communities, homes and farms cut off (by land) from the outside world by ring dikes, islands in a flood zone covering almost 1,700 square kilometers – an area ¾ the size of Prince Edward Island.

Dozens of Manitoba families needing to start over again, after the flood waters or massive chunks of ice destroyed their homes.

And as he did following the Flood of the Century in 1997, Canadian actor and musician Tom Jackson returns to Manitoba to raise funds to help those people affected by this year’s flood. Jackson is organizing a flood fundraising concert May 13 at the MTS Centre.

Rise Again 2009:The Red Cross Manitoba Flood Relief Concert is an opportunity for all Winnipeggers to celebrate the triumphant and giving spirit of their community. Event organizers have now opened the May 13th benefit to the wider public, inviting everyone to attend, and donate what they can. Admission tickets must be reserved through Ticketmaster and used to gain access to the event.

The line-up for this very special benefit will feature Tom Cochrane, Deborah Cox, JD Fortune, Bet.e, Nathan, One More Girl, Beverley Mahood, Moses Mayes, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and The Barra MacNeils.

Hosted by Tom Jackson, Rise Again 2009 is presented by Enbridge Pipelines with the support of the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, and the generosity of Paquin Entertainment Group, APTN, CBC Manitoba, CBC Radio Two, Epic, Long & McQuade, MTS Allstream, MTS Centre, Place Louis Riel, Sound Art, Ticketmaster, Westjet, and The Winnipeg Free Press.

Donations can also be made to the Red Cross online by clicking on the Donate Now button at left, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by drop-off at most Manitoba Credit Unions.

The Rise Again 2009 concert will be telecast again on CBC Manitoba on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 p.m. CDT.