Singing for Siloam

Elmwood

When the holidays roll around each year, regulars at Charlee’s Restaurant and Lounge (185 Stadacona St.) are known for digging deep to help those in need.

For the past 14 years, Juliet — also known as Jewels — Lafortune, owner of Kicking It Up Karaoke, has organized a holiday fundraiser at the weekly karaoke nights she hosts in support of Siloam Mission.

“We used to collect clothing and groceries and blankets, (but) it was just too much for me to haul in and out of my car, so we decided to just do cash,” Lafortune said, noting that approximately $15,000 has been raised for Siloam over the past five years.

“I’m very proud of each and every one of them,” Lafortune said. “Money is tight, but the generosity is there — and this is a low-income area.”

Every Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., would-be singers can find Lafortune hosting karaoke at Charlee’s. During December, patrons are invited to donate what cash they can towards Siloam Mission.

“It’s whatever you want to donate, 50 cents or a dollar, we don’t care,” Lafortune said. “(Siloam) will get that full amount. We’ve had everything from 50 cents to $500 one night. Last Sunday, somebody gave us $100. People are very, very generous, and it’s the ones who don’t have who are the most generous, because they remember the days when they had nothing.”

According to Lafortune, Charlee’s is a welcoming place for folks to get together and share a drink, some food — or a song.

“Once you’ve been in, people recognize you and everybody is very welcoming,” she said. “There’s lots of givers. It’s a great group.”

Last year, Lafortune raised $5,000. This year, she expects to raise at least $2,000. In hopes of raising even more, she’s extending the fundraiser until New Year’s Eve, when she plans to present all funds collected to Siloam Mission.

“That way we get that extra week, and some more generosity for New Year’s Eve,” she said.