No Road Back fundraiser returns to Paris Legion to support Wheels of Hope

Chuck Jackson of the Downchild Blues Band with Crossfield Bend will be performing a special set during the November 15th No Road Back Music Event held at the Paris Legion.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A full day of music and community spirit will fill the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 on Saturday, Nov. 15, as the No Road Back Music Event returns with the goal of raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program.

The fundraiser, founded in 2013 by local resident Jim Young, grew out of a simple idea to combine live music with community giving. Inspired by his late friend Scott Johnson, who championed cancer fundraising through the Movember campaign, Young decided to host a small concert that has since blossomed into an annual event.

“We got around $600 that first time in 2013 with just five players,” Young said. “Now we have 13 musicians this year and a lineup that just keeps growing.”

Originally called Music for the Mustache in honour of Johnson, the event was renamed No Road Back after Johnson’s passing. The new name carries a double meaning: a playful nod to ordering a “Blueberry Wine” — but also a deeper symbol of moving forward with recovery and not looking back.

This year’s bill features a wide range of local and guest artists, including Gray and Ludgate, Bailey Robb, Loose Moralz, Stewart Barr, Josh Doherty, Shawn Blackmore, The GrandRivermen, Friday Family Sing Song, Before Midnight and The Die Hards. Guest appearances will include Allie Stenhouse, Silvia Dee and the Boyfriend, and a special set by Chuck Jackson of the Downchild Blues Band with Crossfield Bend.

Jackson’s participation stands out, Young noted, as he and his bandmates will take the Paris Legion stage in the afternoon before performing that same evening at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford. “I think this action on Chuck’s part shows how people truly give,” Young said.

In addition to the entertainment, attendees can support the cause through auctions, T-shirt sales, and food and drinks from the Legion’s kitchen and bar. Every performer donates their time, and proceeds will go directly to Wheels of Hope, which provides transportation for cancer patients travelling to treatment appointments.

“It can be anywhere from $30 to $74 per trip, depending on the mileage,” Young explained. “When you think that all the funds totally go to help local citizens who need help getting to treatment, you realize how important this is.”

Young says the event is as much about awareness as it is about money. The Wheels of Hope program urgently needs volunteer drivers. “Yes, money is great, but a donation of time is also needed and accepted with tremendous gratitude,” he said.

Young also issued a call to local businesses, encouraging them to get involved by sponsoring the event or donating door prizes for the auction and raffles. “We really need some help from the business community,” he said. “Any support — whether financial or through prizes — will go a long way to making this fundraiser a success.”

He hopes this year’s edition will surpass last year’s $3,500 total and continue to grow with community support.

“No Road Back is truly about local people helping local people in need,” Young said. “Any form of help for this event is welcomed and respected. Just by being there even, you are supporting a cause worthy of your time.”

For sponsorships or advance ticket information, email Jim Young at offsideyoung@gmail.com. To make a financial donation, E-transfer to parislegion29@rogers.com with note “No Road Back.”