Accompanied by the prestigious Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), local singer Paul Ong’s annual charity fundraiser saw a whopping $25,000 donation to Sistema Winnipeg, a daily music program offering intensive music education for inner city children.
The sold-out event held Nov 17 in Tech Voc High gave the audience a rare experience to enjoy the 60-piece orchestra with conductor Naomi Woo with special guests Micah Buenafe and Sistema Winnipeg Children’s Choir.
From the donations raised, another $3,000 was donated to General Wolfe School.
This is the fifth year Paul did a concert for a cause and the first time he did a full concert with WSO.
The jampacked warm crowd was led by Larry and Toba Vickar as main sponsors.
One of the highlights of the event was when Paul called her mom Myrna who joined the choir in singing “What a Wonderful World”. Paul introduced his mom as his “rock”, who despite undergoing medical and health challenges remain positive.
Paul, who was well praised by Sistema Winnipeg Chair and WSO Conductor for his contribution and support to inner city kids who love music, was also presented with a surprise video from well wishers, friends and supporters from community who talked about his humility and passion to help and reach out through his music.
(Photo credit Jhayzon Paredes of 204 Live Music, Allan De Vera Balmoja, Danny Roman and Nelson Manalili).
