Fearless Hearts concert in support of Lonny’s Smile Foundation slated for the Redwood Theatre

By VINCENT LIN

Lonny’s Smile Foundation is hosting its Fearless Hearts 2 event — A Tribute to Elton John and Miley Cyrus — in East Toronto later this month.

The second annual all-ages concert raises funds for children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

“In Canada, one in every 80 to 100 children is born with CHD, and many are excluded from traditional camp experiences because they’re considered ‘too sick’ to attend. At Lonny’s Smile, we believe every child deserves the chance to attend camp,” said Tamara Doerksen, chair and founder of Lonny’s Smile Foundation.

Helping make that happen is the goal of the Fearless Hearts Tribute Concert on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E., from 7 to 10 p.m. The concert aims to raise funds to send children with CHD to Camp Oki, Canada’s premier cardiac camp.

Lonny’s Smile Foundation was founded in 2010 by Doerksen, in memory of her brother Lonny Doerksen who was a child with CHD. Despite his condition, Lonny found happiness and joy from riding his red tricycle. Lonny died in 1971 at the age of five after a surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children to try and correct his CHD.

In memory of Lonny, the foundation has made it their mission to give children with CHD the opportunity to experience the joys and freedoms that kids their age should be experiencing.

“One of his greatest joys was riding his red tricycle, a simple pleasure that made him feel just like any other kid,” said Doerksen when talking about her brother Lonny. She described the Fearless Hearts Tribute Concert as “an extraordinary evening of music, philanthropy, and star-studded performances, all in support of sending kids with CHD to Camp Oki.”

This year’s concert will celebrate the music of popular artists Elton John and Miley Cyrus, and will be hosted by Stu Jeffries from Boom 97.3 and Liz West from Zoomer Radio. The concert will feature performances from many talented Canadian artists including Barry Canning, Stephen Lamb and Bexy Ashworth from the band Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost, Nickola Magnolia, and many others.

“Run entirely by volunteers, our foundation, and this event, are fueled by generosity. Every performer, host, and organizer is donating their time and talent to make this night possible,” said Doerksen.

Outside of enjoying the live performances guests can support the cause by participating in live and silent auctions held at the event.Tickets for the concert can be found on the Eventbrite website at “Fearless Hearts 2 – A Tribute to Elton John and Miley Cyrus – All Ages” and are priced at $54.58.

Purchasing tickets supports the event and helps Lonny’s Smile Foundation send 10 kids with CHD to Camp Oki. Beyond attending the concert, residents can show their support by making a donations to the Lonny’s Smile Foundation through their CanadaHelps page, or by volunteering at the foundation.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please send an email to the foundation at info@lonnyssmile.org