The Fred Grant Squares will make downtown Barrie hip again Saturday.
Their ninth annual Christmas Cheer Rock’n’Roll ‘FUN-raiser’ Matinee takes place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Queens Hotel on Dec. 2.
“It’s just become a tradition for us,” said Scott Harradine, who handles rhythm guitar and vocals with the Squares. “It’s such a good cause. Anything that helps to get it out there.
“Everybody who does (Christmas Cheer) is a volunteer," he added.
Barrie & District Christmas Cheer helps approximately 1,800 local families at Christmastime, and hopes to raise $400,000 this year.
Harradine said when the Squares first did a ‘FUN-raiser’ almost a decade ago, they hadn’t done any charity events before.
“We started at Sticky Fingers on Essa Road,” he said of the long-gone bar. “We did that and it was incredibly successful and I got to know the Christmas Cheer people, to appreciate what it’s all about, what its real purpose is.
“Everybody in the band agreed this was something to get behind.”
The ‘FUN-raiser’ has no fundraising goal or cover charge, but accepts cash donations and/or new unwrapped toys for infants to those aged 10, at the door.
Harradine estimates that in nine years the event has probably raised $40,000-$45,000 altogether, not including gift cards, toys, etc.
He notes local companies also donate time, product and money to the Christmas Cheer cause.
“You know there’s a need for it because you can see it and read about it every day,” Harradine said. “There’s a lot of people out there who need help, need a hand up.
“And especially at this time of year. It’s the reason for the season.”
The Rock’n’Roll ‘FUN-raiser’ Matinee will also include performances by Lookout Nelson, and PJ Wilson & the Midnight Hour.
And the Fred Grant Squares, who also include Kevin Harradine on harp, mandolin, vocals and corny jokes, David James Bowen on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ian Ross on lead guitar, Mauri Liimatainen on bass guitar and Brian MacLean on drums and vocals.
For more information, visit: facebook.com/events/
