Fundraiser for hospital’s MRI campaign

LAURIE WEIR

The last time world renowned fiddlers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy were in Lanark County it was in 2022 when they headlined for Perth’s Stewart Park Festival.

This year, the duo returns – this time to Perth and District Collegiate Institute — as a fundraiser by the Smiths Falls Rotary Club for the MRI campaign by the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation, “Magnifying Care Close to Home.”

Natalie and Donnell, married since 2002, come from musical families rooted with Cape Breton’s heritage. Natalie started playing the fiddle at age nine, launching a career spanning over 30 years. Her debut recording at 16 gained recognition in the US and Canada for her commitment to Cape Breton’s fiddling tradition. With captivating performances, Natalie blends innovation with tradition, leaving audiences eager for more at each show.

It was recently announced that Natalie and Donnell are intending to bring their seven

music-loving children and bass player Remi Arsenault to perform in Perth.

ABOUT THE MRI CAMPAIGN

“Magnifying Care Close to Home” is the name of the fundraising campaign to help pay for the $6.1 million MRI located at the Smiths Falls site. The PSFDH Foundation has committed to a three-year, $6.1 million campaign to bring the MRI to the community.

According to their website, “$6.1 million is a huge number yet to put this into context, our catchment area incorporates approximately 60,000 or more people,” notes Kristine Fair, PSFDH Foundation chair. “If it were possible for every member of our community to donate $100, we would achieve our goal! So that $100 is only $33 for each year of the campaign.”

The Perth show will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at https://sfrotary.ticketsplease.ca.