Youth Fundraiser with Claudie Larouche
More: Claudie Lalouche, Fundraising, LGBT youth, Music, Ottawa, Ten Oaks, Variety Show Fundraiser with Claudie Larouche and Friends
Generosity and empathy for queer youth prompts Ottawa musician to put together the “Variety Show Fundraiser with Claudie Larouche & Friends,” a night of diverse entertainment to benefit youth charity the Ten Oaks Project.
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When meeting with Claudie Larouche, it is immediately apparent that she is not only enthusiastic about her music, but also enormously kind. These are undoubtedly the qualities which prompted her to put together the “Variety Show Fundraiser with Claudie Larouche and Friends,” a night of diverse entertainment to benefit Ottawa charity the Ten Oaks Project. The charity provides empowering programs and camps for children of LGBTQ communities.
The fundraiser, taking place at 510 Cumberland St. on Oct. 22 at 8 p.m., is in its second year and already generating interest. Larouche, 25, is only one of the headlining performers, with others including Jeremy Laborde, Peggy Barthélemy, and Tania Larose (among others). Aside from music, the show also features live theatrical entertainment.
“When you grow up as a homosexual it’s not always easy,” Larouche said, speaking out on the importance of the event,“I don’t know if I can say my main goal, but one of my goals, for sure, is to try to prove that there are people out there who can be gay and be happy as well.”
Larouche, who has been playing guitar for almost 10 years, grew up in Jonquière, Que., approximately eight hours from Ottawa. Living as a homosexual in such a small community was isolating, but Larouche used it as an opportunity to develop material for her musical compositions. Known for her honest narrative style, she uses music as a way to reach out to people, and often discusses LGBTQ issues in her songs while using both English and French.
“I didn’t want to write songs that didn’t mean mean anything,” Larouche said, “So, I like that people remember me by both my lyrics and my music.”
The fundraiser took place last year on Dec. 18, which happened to be Larouche’s birthday. It was a great success, raising a generous amount for the Ten Oaks Project and hosting around 50 attendees. Although there is no suggested donation amount, Larouche is optimistic that this year will be even better than the last.
“If you want to have a nice evening that’s going to benefit a good organization, and enjoy nice music,” Larouche said, promoting the event with a friendly smile, “Why not spend a couple of hours of your time, and maybe make new friends in the process?”
Although Larouche is not looking for volunteers for this year’s event, the Ten Oaks Project has dedicated part of their website to those interested in lending a hand. They accept volunteers for fundraising events, camps, youth advisory or camp planning committees, and more. For next year’s event, Larouche is interested in speaking with people who might be interested in performing.
The event is set to take place at Frieman Hall on the University of Ottawa campus. Donations are pay-what-you-can, and the entertainment is family-friendly. General information and performance dates for Claudie Larouche can be found on her blog at www.myspace.com/claudie.larouche. If interested in donating or volunteering for the Ten Oaks Project, contact information can be found at www.tenoaksproject.org
Variety Show Fundraiser with Claudie Larouche & Friends
510 Cumberland St.
Oct. 22 at 8 p.m
