Tracy Fehr and singers from her Summerland studio are bringing hope to a Tunisian woman with their Voices in Song Christmas Benefit Concert on Sunday, Dec. 2.
Samira is struggling to overcome great hardship. As a result of being raped, she has given birth to two daughters. When the first was born, a relative set fire to Samira’s infant, severely burning her and crippling Samira’s mother, who was holding the baby. Now, Samira is attempting to run a household while providing for her mother and daughters.
“The shame imposed on single mothers is extremely difficult, and many young women end up on the streets,” says Fehr, who performs benefit concerts and workshops for North African women through ACT, the Association for Cooperation in Tunisia. This non-profit organization helps unwed mothers and marginalized women receive training and funds to set up home-based businesses.
ACT has been assisting Samira by taking her carpets to sell at higher-end markets. But without her own transportation, Samira is unable to be independent. Funds from the Voices in Song Concert will go towards purchasing a motorcycle for Samira.
The Dec 2 concert featuring Tracy Fehr, lyric coloratura soprano, and senior students from her studio will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Penticton, beginning at 7 p.m. Dennis Nordlund will be accompanying on piano.
Tickets can be purchased at the Penticton and District Arts Council, #2-202 Manor Park Ave. or from Fehr at 250-494-1042 or tlfehr@shaw.ca.