S’Aints Concerts Raise Record $123,000 for Local Food Banks

A remarkable total of $123,000 was raised during last month’s Sleighing Hunger concerts, providing essential support for food banks in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions. This record-setting amount was announced on December 22, 2025, during a cheque presentation at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. The funds were generated through two sold-out performances by The S’Aints at the Chrysler Theatre on December 20 and December 21.

This annual holiday concert series, organized in collaboration with St. Clair College, St. Clair Alumni, and LiUNA 625, achieved the highest fundraising total in its 15-year history. During the presentation, Michael Silvaggi, president of St. Clair College, emphasized the ongoing nature of hunger, stating, “It is important to remember that hunger is not just a holiday concern — it is a year-round challenge.” He highlighted the necessity of continuous support, asserting that generosity should extend beyond the festive season.

Since its inception, the Sleighing Hunger concerts have raised over $700,000 for local food banks and community initiatives. Drummer Jeff Burrows expressed the meaningfulness of returning to the Chrysler Theatre, where the first Sleighing Hunger show took place. “It’s a strange position to be able to do something you love, and it turns into something that gives back,” Burrows remarked. “We feel truly blessed to be part of a family that gives back to the community.”

Representatives from key recipient organizations attended the cheque presentation, including the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association and Chatham Outreach for Hunger. June Muir, president of the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association, noted the significant impact of the donation, stating that it will help replenish shelves at numerous food banks, especially as demand continues to rise. Muir pointed out that one in four Ontarians utilizing food banks is employed and that of the 235,000 individuals who accessed the Windsor Essex Food Bank Association last year, 30 percent were children.

“Your kindness helps turn music into meals, performances into purpose, and a night of celebration into hope for those who need it most,” Muir added, underscoring the concert series’ broader significance beyond just music.

The demand for food assistance has also surged in Chatham-Kent. Brenda LeClair, executive director of Chatham Outreach for Hunger, reported a 20 percent increase in demand in 2025. She acknowledged the community’s generosity, stating, “We’re able to continue to meet that need because of the generosity of these folks who are out there giving every day, volunteering, running food drives and raising money.”

LeClair expressed her gratitude towards The S’Aints, emphasizing their contributions to the community. “You are not just a band who performs and raises money — you are our family,” she said.

The funds generated from the 2025 Sleighing Hunger concerts will be instrumental in supporting food banks throughout the winter and into the coming year, further reinforcing the concert series’ commitment to alleviating food insecurity in the region.