Indie-rock band Tough Lovers wants to win big - and give big.
The band is grabbing the opportunity to raise funds for the Richmond-based ALS Society of BC while competing against 19 other B.C. musicians in the Peak Performance Project for a grand prize of $102,700.
Lead singer Jamie Smail from Richmond and his fellow band members, bassist Dane Stevens, guitarist Graham Madden and percussionist Ryan Stephenson proudly presented Wendy Toyer - director of ALS BC - with a cheque for $5,519.35 on Tuesday.
The money will be used to improve the care and quality of life of patients suffering from the disease, in which nerve cells die and leave voluntary muscles paralyzed.
"We had been talking about a fundraiser for ALS for a long time," said Smail, who lost an uncle to the incurable illness, as did Stevens.
So when the Peak Performance Project required a charity campaign, the band immediately agreed on selecting the ALS Society of BC as their charity of choice.
"It's terrible seeing someone go through that disease, regardless of whether it happens in your family," Smail said.
He added knowing patients only have a limited time left is terrible because in spite of physical deterioration, they remain mentally aware.
The Tough Lovers put on a charity show and held a silent auction at the same time, which allowed attendees to bid on donated items.
All profits of that show were directly handed over to the ALS Society, along with the proceeds of a new merchandising line and the returns of the online sale of the recently released single "Kids Go Out".
What's more, the band members want to maintain their commitment to their charity cause.
They are "planning on raising funds for ALS BC annually."
The Peak Performance Project is entering its last phase, with a final winner to be selected on Nov. 1.
