York Region's biggest annual fundraiser, Magna Hoedown, cancelled due to COVID-19

Event has raised more than $13M for charitable causes over 31 years.

Yorkregion.com
May 1, 2020
Aileen Zangouei

The 32nd annual Magna Hoedown, which was scheduled to take place in September, has been cancelled due to the circumstances around COVID-19.

Hoedown organizers posted on the event's website that they are cancelling the event, which is York Region’s largest annual fundraiser. The musical event is co-ordinated with Neighbourhood Network and has raised more than $13 million for hundreds of local charities, nonprofits, and community groups throughout its history.

The announcement of the cancellation reads:

"As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Magna and Neighbourhood Network continue to operate in accordance with public health guidelines. The company’s priority is to protect the health and well-being of employees, its business, and the community at large. With the uncertainty created by this pandemic, the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Manga Hoedown has been made."

The Hoedown impacts the community not through the funds that are raised, but also the Magna Student Hoedown, a free concert and luncheon for more than 1,000 students across the region with disabilities. The Hoedown also fosters the arts through the Magna Hoedown Showdown country music talent competition, maintains a zero-waste policy to enhance environmental sustainability, and offers an opportunity for residents to become engaged in their communities.

Despite the Magna Hoedown cancellation due to COVID-19, the Neighbourhood Network team continues to focus on supporting immediate needs throughout the community.