Our Councillor to the south, Scott Moffatt, has the privilege to officially welcome Up with People back to Ottawa after an absence of 20 years on October 1st. The group of 100 international young people from 14 different countries are here to build a more hopeful, trusting and peaceful world.
By empowering young people to be positive agents of change through action and the international and powerful language of music Up with People aims to leave their impact on communities, provide various ways for Ottawa citizens to get involved and present youth empowerment initiatives to support Ottawa area charities.
When Up with People was born in 1965 by founder J. Blanton Belk – formed out of a summer youth conference – our early leaders discovered the power of music for bringing together people of different mindsets, cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs. Up with People took to the streets and soon became a global music and education phenomena, inspiring communities with a message of peace and unity. Over time, Up with People grew to be known worldwide for bridging cultural gaps and participating in international relations and education.
From October 2 to 9, you can find the Up with People group performing many volunteer duties throughout the region. During the morning of October 11 they will participate in a community-wide relationship building project at Algonquin College from 9:30 – 11:45 am. On the evenings of October 10 and 11, the cast of 100 performers will present their Up with People Live on Tour show at the Meridian Theatres on the Centrepointe main stage.
Up with People’s Live On Tour 2019 production focuses on our shared hopes for a better tomorrow. The production includes international songs and dances, entertaining pop medleys, and original songs crafted to inspire people to make their own personal commitments to keeping hope alive in their communities.
100% of show ticket revenue is donated back to local charities chosen by our local sponsors — Bell Media, Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Life Magazine. Ottawa charities benefiting from the performances are the Youth Services Bureau, Governor General’s Foot Guards Regimental Association, OSEG Youth Sport Programs and scholarships for local youth to participate in UWP Jr., Camp Up with People and Up with People on Tour. More details about the program and ticket information for their shows on October 10 and 11 can be found at: www.upwithpeople.org/Ottawa.
After their activity laced two weeks in Ottawa, Up with People will be stopping in Italy for the next leg of their tour.