Cape Town’s musical gems got together on Sunday to host the Lockdown Live Cansathon where they raised and estimated R100 000 for CANSA’s Care Homes.
Organiser Bridgette Brukman says the plight of cancer sufferers and the financial burden the illness puts on their families are real and she has first-hand experiences with this, as her husband Hilton passed away due to cancer.
The free online show, recorded at Penny Lane Studios in Wynberg, featured artists like Claire Philips, Robin Pieters, Nur Abrahams, Salome and Don Vino, and was hosted by radio presenter Aden Thomas.
“Having lost my husband to cancer almost two years ago, when I got the call asking if I would consider doing something to assist CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa), I just couldn’t say no,” says Bridgette.
PLOUGH BACK: Event organiser Bridgette Brukman
“On 31 March, I closed my business, Brukman Consulting, and on 1 June I reopened, after losing my brother to a (Covid-19 related) illness.
“I knew I had to get up and do something to plough back into a worthy cause in order to bless the re-opening of my business.
“We developed the concept, we didn’t sell tickets, the show was free, but opened a pledge line on WhatsApp.
“I got my artists together and staged a free three-hour live show, not expecting much, but to my surprise we had over 18 000 views and managed and raised about R100k.”
The highlights of the show included Don Vino also performing Let’s Stay Together with Claire Philips, Robin Pieters sang gospel song His Eye Is On The Sparrow and Salome performed her famous cover What I Do Best.
A grateful Bridgette says: “I’m really overwhelmed at the response received from the public, especially during this pandemic.
“Aden Thomas came on board in his personal capacity and got people to open their hearts and purses and they challenged each other and gave so much to help CANSA.”