Dozens of people gathered at Freedom International School last week to take in a special concert.
Share the Night featured stories and songs from Howard Jolly, The Rising Above Band and the FIS Dance Ministry Team, with all funds raised supporting the school.
"We had this idea of wanting to find a common space between Manitoba's Indigenous culture and Metis culture and the cultures that are represented within our school, which is a lot of newcomer youth from various countries and cultures," said Cyndi Wiebe, director of communications with Freedom International School.
Freedom International School is a registered charity serving newcomer and former refugee youth ages 12-21, providing specialized, trauma-informed, accredited high school education in a Christ-centred environment.
Wiebe said the Share the Night benefit concert went very well.
"We had 57 tickets sold before the event, a new event. We've never had one in the spring," said Wiebe. "We had 73 attendees, with some being completely new to our school. So it was really exciting to make those new connections and share about what we do."
She says one of the biggest highlights of the evening is watching the students get excited about volunteering.
"Some of their friends even came to help. Like, we've never met them before. I've never seen them before, so it was nice to have them involved because in my mind, I was thinking now that they're here, the kid also talked to other people and other friends and families about Freedom International School."
Wiebe says if you missed the benefit concert, there are still ways to help.
"We invite people to partner with the school in four ways," said Cyndi. "First of all, just praying with us because this is God's school, and we're just lifting it up. Talk about the school. Volunteer to be a reading partner, and if you feel led to donate, get in touch through our website."
Overall, the event raised $3,000 toward their year-end goal of $55,000.