Jason Teakle
BRANT NEWS

An organization that provides help to families of sick children will receive a boost from a long-running local fundraiser taking place this weekend.

The 28th annual Can Jam for Cancer in support of Help a Child Smile will rock Brantford’s Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Organizer Brett Davidson said the event could see its biggest turnout yet.

“It is the greatest day of the year for $10,” Davidson said. “You’re helping people who need the help.

“The cost of parking alone at McMaster Hospital can kill families taking their kids for cancer treatments. Help a Child Smile helps them cover that cost and other costs during treatments.”

Can Jam raised more than $10,000 for Help a Child Smile last year.

“We would like to at least match that this year,” Davidson said.

Items available during a silent auction will include posters autographed by Wayne Gretzky, gift certificates, NASCAR memorabilia and guitars.

Davidson said a trip to Disneyland will be given away to a family in need during the event.

Face painting, clowns and dunk tanks will entertain kids as a lineup of 15 bands perform throughout the afternoon and evening, including classic Canadian heavy metal act Helix.

The lineup also includes AC/DC tribute band Squeeler, blues artist Alfie Smith, country act the Murray Williams Band, Jukebox Rocker, Russ Wilson, Tracenine, Chris Strei, Wicked Kick, Harry Bazoian, the Keith Hill Project, Vulgar Ballet, Wishing Sixxx, Paul O’Toole and Sam Dogg and the K9s.

Tickets are available in advance for $10 each at Jammit Music, Neat Repeats and Collectables, Joe Balognee’s Bar and Grill, The Tub, The Mixdown, BYO Breweries, Colby’s Billiards, Kreative Khaos, Rock Universe, the Knights of Columbus Hall, Lonnies on Market and Crystal’s Hair Care.

Tickets are $15 at the door and admission is free for children under 12.