The country music charity concert aims to raise money for the NICU

Canadian country artists will converge on Fernie later this month for a charity concert to raise money for a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The concert, titled “A Night for NICU,” was hosted by the Bearspaw Contracting Community First Society in collaboration with The Festival Company and the Canadian Country Music Community.

“I work in the country music business, so I went and asked who wanted to participate in this cause and we’re going to come together to raise a bunch of money to build a NICU,” said Billie-Jo Aasen, CEO of The Festival Company.

Funds raised will go towards the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) Warm Embrace campaign.

Once the $1.8 million goal is met, the money will go toward adding the NICU at Cranbrook Regional Hospital.

The lack of services means parents have to travel outside the region if their babies are born prematurely.

“When families are airlifted, it’s scary and extremely expensive to live in hotels,” Aasen said. “Many times the father will stay behind while the mother goes. It’s a very tough way to start a family.”

Once completed, the NICU could significantly reduce medical trips for families with premature babies.

The show will bring together Meghan Patrick, JoJo Mason, Aaron Pritchett, Kelly Prescott, Jason Blaine, Chad Brownlee and other surprise guests for a night of Canadian country music to support a local cause.

The event will take place on June 15 at Fernie’s Demolition Grounds from 2pm to 11pm.

“Everyone loves live music, and as people in the music industry, we have access to megaphones that some organizations don’t have,” Aasen said.

“We’re able to use the power of live country music to shine a light on these charities and fund them.”

EKFH is looking for volunteers to help out at the concert, including bartending, parking, set-up, security and stagehand positions.

You can contact (email protected) for volunteer information.

Tickets to A Night for NICU can be purchased here.