Canadian Emergency Fund Creates Relief Program For LA Fire Victims

The Unison Fund, the emergency relief program for members of the Canadian music industry, has just added a new fund to help the many transplanted Canadians living in Los Angeles affected by the fires. The Natural Disaster Relief Program, which will offer ongoing support for future global disasters, is giving approved applicants a one-time CAD$2,500 Canadian payment (US$1,743).
“We know how devastating natural disasters like the California wildfires can be to both lives and livelihoods. There’s a large community of Canadian music professionals living and working in LA, and we know many have been deeply affected,” Unison Fund executive director Amanda Power told Pollstar. “That’s why The Unison Fund created the Natural Disaster Relief Program, to be a safety net for Canadian music workers during times like these. We don’t know exactly how many people will need this support, but we do know the need is great, and The Unison Fund is here to help as many as we can.”
The non-profit offers Emergency Financial Support and Counselling & Health Solutions to Canadian music industry workers through their original programs, as well as to retirees and veterans via The Slaight Family Foundation Legacy Program and $500 Grocery Gift Card Support for those who need a little bit of assistance.
While many Canadian artists, songwriters and industry workers have not gone public about losing their homes or studios, a few have, like producer Greg Wells, drummer Morgan Doctor and jazz musician Brian Hughes. There are crowdfunding campaigns for all three, Wells on SpotFund, Doctor’s on GoFundMe and Hughes on GoFundMe.
Almost all the Canadian friends and colleagues reached by this scribe — over 20 — have had to evacuate; some have returned, their homes, fortunately, intact, but air quality and surrounding debris is causing issues for breathing and walking pets. Others do not want to return home due to the devastation to their communities and the post-traumatic stress it will cause, or are waiting for the fires to absolutely no longer pose a danger.
The money from The Natural Disaster Relief Program “can be used at the applicant’s discretion for matters deemed most urgent, providing the flexibility needed in times of crisis,” it states on the program page.
Canadians living in the Los Angeles area must have been working in the music industry for a minimum of five consecutive years, earn the majority of their income from music and have suffered the loss of their primary residence, personal belongings and income as a result of a natural disaster. For example, a person’s home is intact but the studio or office they work at has burned down.
Government-issued photo ID, proof of hardship (such as a letter from an employer about job loss due to a natural disaster, a government report or notice of a natural disaster affecting your primary residence or place of employment, or a statement from a disaster relief agency detailing the area affected by a natural disaster) are required. Go here for more information and the application portal. The Fund also takes donations via Canada Helps.
“We require applicants to be honest with us and our agencies, in all regards, at all times,” it also states on the Unison page. “We also ask that you be patient with us as we move your application through the process. Please wait to hear from us directly about any updates.”
As of 2023, an estimated 70,000 Canadians call California home, many centred in Los Angeles, an estimated 44,000.
Out of respect for the ongoing situation, Canadian performing rights organization SOCAN and publisher Anthem have canceled their upcoming Grammy parties.
“The fires in LA continue to have a devastating effect on the city and its residents,” reads the SOCAN message. “It is out of respect for those impacted and the preservation of the local resources supporting the relief and recovery efforts that we make this decision. Thank you for your understanding, we continue to monitor the situation and look forward to celebrating with you in the future.”
In an email to invitees from Anthem, it said: “We hope this message finds you safe and well. With the current wildfires that have devastated the city of Los Angeles, we have decided to cancel our upcoming Grammy week party. Anthem has donated to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to aid in the relief and recovery efforts that are and will be ongoing.”
