During Country Music Week in September in the lead up to the CCMA Awards in Hamilton, ON BC country music superstar Dean Brody will be the recipient of the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award. This is due to his remarkable achievements across numerous initiatives through The Dean Brody Foundation. The annual award is given out to recognize “individual(s) and/or event(s) that have made an outstanding contribution of time and energy in the support of humanitarian causes through country music.”
In a press release Amy Jeninga the President of the CCMA has said: “The extraordinary impact of The Dean Brody Foundation in communities across the world is awe-inspiring, and we are so pleased to be able to shine a spotlight on Dean and celebrate his selfless mission. Dean’s willingness to step-up and use his platform for change, along with his commitment to causes both global and right in his own backyard, are a testament to his character, and the CCMA is thrilled to highlight the work he continues to do.”
Here is some information on his foundation:
“Founded in 2011, The Dean Brody Foundation was started by Brody to support the rescue and prevention of young girls exploited in human trafficking in Brazil and around the world. After reading Remember Me, Rescue Me by Matt Roper, who went on to become Brody’s partner in the Foundation, Brody knew he needed to use his platform to bring light to the injustices taking place for young women around the globe. To date, the Foundation has raised over $500K through self-funding by Brody and has saved countless girls from trafficking and exploitation.”
“In 2021, Brody expanded the foundation’s mission in partnership with the global organization International Justice Mission (IJM), supporting their efforts to combat the online exploitation of children (OSEC) in the Philippines and prevent harm before it happens. In his quiet and humble manner, Dean has also supported countless grassroots charities across Canada in addition to higher profile events including his 2022 partnership with the National Hockey League Players Association (NHLPA), donating $60,000 to the local minor hockey community in his hometown of Cranbrook, B.C. to ensure children of families facing financial barriers could access the sport.”
It is always great to see artists who use their platforms for good and use foundations properly, which not always he the case as we have seen with some athletes. I have met Dean briefly in the past and have enjoyed his music for over a decade so i couldn’t be happier to see him get recognition for efforts especially when it comes to charity.
Dean will be award the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award during a private industry event as part of Country Music Week 2023, taking place September 14-16 in Hamilton, ON.
Information about the foundation are from a press release from the Canadian Country Music Association.
– Everett
