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News Release Bruce Cockburn, David Suzuki Help Celebrate USC Canada's 60th Anniversary August 29, 2005 - For Immediate Release OTTAWA -- David Suzuki and Bruce Cockburn will perform in Ottawa on September 8, 2005, at a benefit evening of dialogue and song in support of USC Canada. Renowned environmentalist Suzuki will speak on human rights, poverty, and the environment. Singer-songwriter Cockburn will perform a selection of songs from his wide-ranging repertoire. The event is a benefit for USC Canada - one of Canada's oldest international development agencies. USC Canada works with partner organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to promote strong, healthy, and just communities in the developing world. Susan Walsh, USC's Executive Director, reflects on USC's 60th birthday: "USC's story is part of Canada's own coming of age on the international scene. We have always embodied the values Canadians held, then and now: caring and responsibility, peace and justice." "Canadians can be proud of the work they've supported in giving people the tools to improve their lives - helping farmers conserve local knowledge, providing life skills education to adolescent girls," says Walsh. "But Canada and Canadians need to do more. The gap between rich and poor is greater today than in 1945 when we began our work. The structures that create social injustice and poverty still exist today, and we have to work together to change them." Suzuki and Cockburn are well-known advocates for social justice. "Their message is always inspiring, and this event will help reaffirm our commitment to social justice and development with dignity," says Walsh. "And seeing them perform on the same stage should be a real treat." Both of these Canadian icons share a connection with the work of USC Canada. David Suzuki is an award-winning scientist and broadcaster. USC shares his commitment to environmental issues, which have, for decades, driven much of the organization's work - particularly in Africa, where USC's Seeds of Survival™ program fights desertification and promotes conservation of biodiversity. Bruce Cockburn has been USC Canada's spokesperson for more than 20 years. With over 25 albums to his credit, he is one of Canada's greatest singer-songwriters, whose music and words have had a profound influence on generations of Canadians. His political consciousness, his views on nature, and his respect for human rights and world cultures make his music unique and inspiring. "My family supported the work of Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova (USC's Founder) because we believed that every individual could make a difference," says Cockburn, adding "I've seen with my own eyes how, with USC's help, people are improving their own lives, building strong, healthy communities." Cockburn hopes his performance "will help raise awareness of the ways Canadians are connected to others globally - in terms of our cultures, hopes, and the actions we take to make this a better world." The evening of dialogue and song will take place at the Ottawa Congress Centre on Thursday, September 8, starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available through TicketMaster for $35 ($25 for students). -30- For further information: To schedule interviews with Susan Walsh: To schedule interviews with Bruce Cockburn: Click here to view our Sources Listing
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