The Hip raise $ for NONA

Photo: Contributed

A local Tragically Hip fundraising party raised $8,500 for charity.

Vernon resident Trevor Perepolkin decided to host a party when he couldn't get tickets to a live gig with the band who's lead singer, Gord Downie, has terminal brain cancer.

Perepolkin was able to obtain permission from the CBC to livestream The Hip's final concert in Kingston, Ont. on Aug. 20.

Attendance was by donation.

“The event was a huge success, due in large part to all the people who put their hand up to volunteer in helping me with all kinds of things,” said Perepolkin, who also had a silent auction. “What great community support.”

Perepolkin has seen the band live in concert nine times.

The funds will be divided up with $2,000 going to Gord Downie’s Sunnybrook Foundation and $6,500 to NONA's Build the Clubhouse fund in Vernon.

“Final thanks to CBC and The Tragically Hip for putting the show on. No commercials from CBC’s side is nothing short of amazing and well, for Gord – holy #Courage.”