After more than a decade of competitive song and dance, the curtain will soon close on an annual event that has raised over $180,000 for local children’s charities.
On May 14, the final Soo Sings for Kids teams will hit the stage to compete for the top spot in the show and prize money to donate to the children’s charity of their choice.
Inspired by the former television show, Canada Sings, for the past 12 years Soo Sings has similarly brought teams together to raise money for local charities.
“It was a sold out show right away,” said planning committee chair, Jocelyn Doucet.
“It brought so much joy to everyone, plus they raised funds for local children's charities, so the next year they moved to the Sault Community Theatre Centre, and again – sold out show after sold out show.”
Despite the show’s popularity in year’s past, Doucet said Soo Sings – like all good things – must eventually come to an end, as participation slowly waned over the years.
“We're having to work really hard at getting those teams involved, so we thought we’d have a nice show this year. It'd be a great time to wrap it up with a bow,” she said.
Doucet said she hopes to see the event break $200,000 in total funds raised for charity before it comes to a close later this year.
All proceeds from the show are donated to charity, she said, with teams winning varying amounts of funds for their chosen charities depending on how they rank.
As the show draws closer, Doucet said she is looking for local sponsors to help support the show, as well as more teams to help fill out the competition.
“We have six teams right now. We'd love to have 10,” she said.
“There is an opportunity for workplaces, who've been really itching to get in in the past, to finally take the stage this year.”
For its final year, Soo Sings will also introduce the Watching from the Wings Award, given in honour of the event’s original producer, Maria Burgess.
Each team can nominate one member who has made a significant impact on their team’s experience – whether through leadership, team spirit, mentorship, or problem-solving.
More about Soo Sings for Kids can be found here.