Today, the Unison Benevolent Fund announced that, thanks to continued donations, the fund expects to go live in late fall 2011.

The release cites a generous donation from Six Shooter Records, submitted by Shauna deCartier on behalf of the label. Shauna adds, “The donation was made in lieu of Christmas gifts to our artists. We are very interested in building a community of artists, and so I can’t think of a more appropriate charity to support during the holiday season - or any other season, for that matter.”

The release also credits Manitoba Music for generating funds, goodwill, and awareness for Unison following their Manitoba Music Rocks Charity Curling Bonspiel, put on with Manitoba Film & Music. The event was supported by over 100 musicians and members of local music industry.

Unison now has an online fundraising platform in place, and is encouraging members of the music industry to help drive donations to the $1 million mark – the threshold set for Unison to become operational.

Music Canada and Slaight Music helped kick off the campaign last month, starting donations with commitments of $250,000 each from Music Canada and Slaight Music. The $250,000 pledges will be fulfilled when the million dollar goal is reached. Music Canada also provided an $80,000.00 cash infusion for the immediate operations of the fund.

The Unison Benevolent Fund is an assistance and referral program designed to provide discreet relief to music industry personnel in times of personal hardship and crisis. Those who are interested in learning more about the Unison Benevolent Fund, making a donation, finding out how to help the cause, or accessing Unison’s services are encouraged to visit www.unisonfund.ca.