London Musicians, Celebrities and Frontline Workers Unite to Launch “Forest City Fights Back”

Collective launches a new recording of “Fight Song” for local charities.

(London, ON) – Forest City Fights Back launches with a star-studded, multi-singer recording and video of Rachel Platten’s hit track ‘Fight Song’. The performance by London, Ontario artists and musicians includes video appearances by frontline workers, as well as local athletes and celebrities. Forest City Fights Back ‘Fight Song’ video can be viewed at forestcityfightsback.com

Forest City Fights Back (FCFB) aims to unite, encourage, and support the London community in the fight against COVID-19, with the main purpose to raise funds for London Health Sciences Foundation and the London Community Foundation via online donations and t-shirt sales.

“I really wanted to create something that the music community could participate in, as they are also being heavily affected by all of this.” says Anita Schipper, Lemmon Entertainment’s Business Development Manager, “Through Forest City Fights Back, we’re showing appreciation towards frontline workers, showcasing the incredible local talent we have in our community, and directing encouragement and love towards Londoners.”

Sponsored by Team Truck Centres, Van Simpson – Scotia Wealth Management, McDonald’s London and JMRD Watson Wealth Management Team/National Bank Financial, FCFB features a remarkable line-up of artists, musicians and celebrities, all with a close tie to London who went to great lengths to be part of this community action.
The release of FCFB’s version of ‘Fight Song’ aims to raise spirits, as well as inspire Londoners and beyond to assist in the fight against COVID-19, including a call-to-action to donate to two key charities – London Health Sciences Foundation and London Community Foundation – helping to support our community and rebuild on the other side of this pandemic.

FCFB’s ‘Fight Song’ cover includes vocals and musical support provided by:
Aaron Allen
Aidan Scott
Chad Price
Dan Brodbeck (Grammy award nominee)
Dane Hartsell (Deadset Society, Tense Machine)
Denise Pelley Genevieve Fisher
James Kirkpatrick Jason Pierce (Our Lady Peace)
Jenn Marino (Hiroshima Hearts)
Marie Bottrell (CCMA winner/ Juno nominee)
Mercedes Lander (Kittie, The White Swan)
Morgan Lander (Karkaos, Kittie)
Nicole Bellmore
Randie Van Gorp (Shawn Desman, Tebey)
Sarah Smith Saveria (winner of CTV’s The Launch Season 2)
Sarina Haggarty
Tara McLeod (Kittie, Nice Horse, No Joy)
The Pairs

As well as in-video celebrity appearances by:
Beverley Mahood (country music artist) Brandon Prust (former NHL player) Dan Shaba (The Pun Guys)
Dave Bolland (former NHL player) Greg McKegg (NHL player) Jackie Redmond (NHL host) Liz Trinnear (television personality, etalk) Najwa Zebian (author, speaker, activist) Nazem Kadri (NHL player) Shad (hip hop recording artist and broadcaster)

“The global pandemic has disproportionately impacted our city’s most vulnerable. Food security, personal protective equipment, proper shelter, and even internet to connect with loved ones or work from home are just a few of the things that people in our community are struggling to access,” says Diane Silva, LCF’s Director of Philanthropy. “Charities and non-profits are being spread thin these days with an increased demand for their services and limited resources and capacity to deliver them and your support is critical to those who need it most.”

“In these uniquely challenging times, we are heartened by the way in which our community is finding creative ways to support our hospital,” said John MacFarlane, President & CEO, London Health Sciences Foundation. “Campaigns, like Forest City Fights Back, show exactly how innovative and creative platforms are embraced by our community and are helping to raise funds to support our front-line staff during the fight against COVID-19.”
In addition to donating to LHSF and LCF, those who wish to show their support can also purchase a Forest City Fights Back t-shirt on forestcityfightsback.com, with 100% of the net proceeds from each sale directed to LHSF and LCF. As a bonus, for a limited time, t-shirt purchasers will also receive a free Big Mac voucher (one per t-shirt), redeemable at participating McDonald’s restaurants.

“I am so grateful to all of those who lent their time, talent, and spirit! A warm thank you to the sponsors, especially Team Truck Centres and Van Simpson – Scotia Wealth Management for believing in this project early on, and to our partners, Reux Agency, Bolt, EMAC Recording Studios, Budweiser Gardens, Kraz co, Murdoch Entertainment and Music Tourism for their support in making FCFB possible,” says Schipper, the project’s founder and producer. “It really has been a dizzying, and truly heartwarming, response from all corners of our community.”

The Forest City Fights Back ‘Fight Song’ video can be viewed below:

Website: forestcityfightsback.com Follow @forestcityfightsback on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube