While COVID-19 has changed the way the world moves, Parkinson Québec has come up with a new formula for its 2020 fundraiser, which takes this new rhythm into account. This year’s event, an online extravaganza called Unisson developed by Sid Lee, showcases a concert with Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin. Event participants can complement their experience with masterclasses led by Toqué founder and chef Normand Laprise and renowned sommelier François Chartier.
“A few weeks ago, we were wondering about the survival of our major annual fundraising activity, which helps us support people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers,” said Nicole Charpentier, Executive Director at Parkinson Québec. “Despite the current situation, we’ve got to continue to move forward—and that is what motivated us to work with our partners to find a new way to raise funds.”
Under the theme #SeulEnsemble, those who would like to support Parkinson Québec and can do so through three different options. Access to the concert is $50, while a $75 ticket provides access to the concert as well as the master class, the recipes and the wine list, which will be shared with participants in advance. Finally, a VIP ticket, available for $2,000, means the meal prepared by the chef and a wine chosen by the sommelier will be delivered to your door—all this followed by the concert.
“COVID-19 has put our lives on hold, but it has not stopped the ruthless progression of this cruel disease,” said Bertrand Cesvet, CEO of Sid Lee and Honorary Chair of the evening. “We wanted to support Parkinson Québec through this difficult time and we are happy to have been able to help transform the Unisson evening into a unique and immersive online experience that will make it a human and memorable moment for donors.”
Parkinson Québec works to improve the lives of some 25,000 Quebecers living with this disease and defends their rights and interests. It also provides support to caregivers and health professionals and contributes to research into the disease. A recent initiative, made possible by donor support, is an online platform, vousavezlepouvoirdagir.ca, which provides access to virtual tools to help Parkinson’s patients, such as live information sessions and physical activities supervised by health professionals, as well as suggestions for online games, courses and other activities. In other words, the platform provides ways to get and stay active, informed and entertained—as well as pull together and help one another.
Unisson will be held on Friday, June 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at unisson2020.parkinsonquebec.ca.
