November 24th, 2020

ARTS STUDENTS TAKE TALENTS TO THE SMALL SCREEN IN FUNDRAISER FOR THE FOOD BANK OF WATERLOO REGION

Even during a pandemic, the show must go on for Waterloo Region’s only Integrated Arts Program

Many dedicated arts students will be showcasing their talent at Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s “The Screen is Yours” online fundraiser for the Food Bank OF Waterloo Region. Livestreaming on the Integrated Arts Program’s YouTube channel on November 26 at 7:00pm, the production will feature the school’s talented dancers, actors, singers, musicians, film makers, and visual artists.

In a year where live performances aren’t possible, “The Screen is Yours” is serving as a replacement for Eastwood’s highly successful annual Gala, which is the primary fundraiser for the Integrated Arts Program. Over the years Gala has raised significant funds to support program essentials, from instruments and sheet music, to scripts and costumes, to visual art materials and technical equipment. This time, however, the students and faculty have decided to focus their fundraising efforts on helping the community.

“Everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and our students showed a real desire to give back to the community,” said Matthew Drysdale, head of music at Eastwood. “While we plan to have fundraisers later in the school year focused on supporting the program, this time we wanted to do what we can for the members of our greater community. A fundraiser for the Foodbank of Waterloo Region seemed like the perfect fit.”

In addition, students will acknowledge and encourage viewers to support the local businesses and arts organizations that have supported Gala in recent years, as a way to say thank you.

The Waterloo Region IAP is a magnet program of the Waterloo Region District School Board, attracting 400 students who apply and audition for the program from the Waterloo Region and across Wellington County – making up a third of Eastwood Collegiate’s total student population.

“The Screen is Yours” livestreams Thursday, November 26 at 7:00 pm, at TSIY80s telethon link and will remain on the channel afterwards. Donations to the Foodbank of Waterloo Region can be made during the livestream, or in advance at https://www.thefoodbank.ca/eastwood_iap/.