May 28, 2008, Winnipeg: Shortly after playing to a packed house in Winnipeg on May 24th, their first concert in the city in 26 years, Anthem/Universal Recording Group Rush announced to Gail Asper, Campaign Chair of Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that they would donate $100,000 from the ticket sales from this concert to the Museum campaign. In addition to this donation, the band will also sell t-shirts at all Canadian concerts remaining on their "Snakes & Arrows Live" concert tour with proceeds going to the Museum campaign. The t-shirts state: 'My pals Rush and I support the Canadian Museum for Human Rights'.
"My band mates and I are proud to be associated with the creation of a Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg," said band member Geddy Lee. "Canadians are uniquely positioned to be leaders in championing such causes and we applaud the efforts of the Asper family in making this Museum a reality. We hope that Canadians across the country will join us in lending their support."
"This announcement is yet another indication that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has become 'closer to the heart' of more and more Canadians," said Campaign Chair Gail Asper referring to Rush's famous 1977 mega hit. "This generous donation demonstrates Rush's commitment to advancing the cause for human rights in Canada and around the world. We are thrilled with this donation and encourage all Rush fans to buy the t-shirts and wear them proudly."
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to be built in Winnipeg, will explore the subject of human rights in order to enhance people's understanding of human rights, promote respect for others and encourage reflection and dialogue. It will be the first national museum to be built outside the National Capital Region and the first national museum to be created in 41 years. The proposed Museum, a $265 million project, has the support of all levels of government, as well as 50 ethno-cultural and human rights groups from across the nation. In addition, many corporations, labour groups, associations, foundations and private donors from across Canada have donated to the private sector campaign. To date more than 2,300 individual gifts have been received.
Since releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974, Canada's Rush has been regarded as one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock, famed for Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart's virtuoso musicianship. The band's extraordinary body of work has achieved worldwide sales exceeding 35 million units. In addition, Rush supports many charitable foundations in Canada and around the world.
Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the non-profit registered charity tasked with raising the $105 million in private sector funding for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Please visit the image gallery at www.friendsofcmhr.com