Born and raised in the East Kootenays and with plenty of extended family in the Okanagan, country singer Dean Brody has established himself in the world of country music.
A multi-Candian Country Music Award and Juno award winning country singer, Brody is coming off a cross Country Canadian tour behind his latest album and is now throwing his support behind a Kelowna fundraiser.
World Vision is hosting a Global 6k for Water at Tugboat Bay this coming Saturday and Brody will be taking over the Island Stage in the afternoon. The Global 6K is about empowering communities to provide clean water to children and families in Africa.
“I’ve been involved with word vision for 15 years,” Brody said in an interview with the Capital News. “I’ve sponsored a child on and off for 15 years. I respect what they do as an organizaton. They have a passion to help people specifically the most vulnerable. When the request came through it was a no-brainer. I love to help. It was pretty simple.”
Growing up, Brody spent time in school in Okanagan Falls before moving to the Kootenays. He spent summers with his family in the Okanagan before moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
Now 41 and established in music, Brody said he makes it a priority to give back.
“I remember when i first started in music one of my dreams was having success music, but also helping more vulnerable people if I had the opportunity to make it in music. It’s kind of cool to see both dreams happen.”
In Kelowna Brody’s show will be what he called a “broken down kitchen party kind of deal,” where he, his guitar and keyboard player play a mostly unplugged set.
All of Kelowna is invited to either walk, run or wheel their way across the finish line at the Global 6K for Water.
Each race registration of $20 will help to bring sustainable clean water and fullness of life to children and families around the world.
The event is 6K which is the average distance that people in the developing world must walk for water.
World Vision says almost 1,000 children under the age of 5 die every day from lack of clean water.
Participants will walk six kilometres along Kelowna’s beautiful waterfront where there will be interactive experiences for kids and adults alike. Participants can choose to carry a jerry can filled with water along the course to allow for a more in-depth experience of what these families face every day.
The event is Saturday morning at 10 a.m at Tugboat Beach. Register here.