Indiegogo campaign launched for Stompin' Tom memorial

An Indiegogo crowdsourcing campaign has been launched to involve fans from all over Canada in a salute to Stompin’ Tom Connors, the popular folk/country artist who passed away one year ago, March 6.

The Stompin’ Tom Connors Commemorative Committee, a Sudbury-based group, commissioned the first life-sized bronze sculpture of Stompin’ Tom Connors, which it proposes to install in downtown Sudbury.

Nickel City sculptor Tyler Fauvelle created the piece, which is now at the foundry for casting.

Jeff MacIntyre, chair of Downtown Sudbury, and a member of the committee, announced the launch of a $25,000 crowdsourcing campaign so that Canadians from coast-to-coast could express their appreciation of Connors, whom the group called “an uncompromising patriot who stood up for Canadian culture,” in a news release.

“We’ve already raised a little over 20 per cent of our goal here in Sudbury, and we’re working on some entertaining local events,” said MacIntyre. “But, we see this as a national project, too.

“Stompin’ Tom spoke to all of us, and we hope Canadians will answer with this tribute.”

The group has created some unique rewards for those who contribute. For example, Fauvelle has created an art resin sculpture, called “Dear Canada”, which he says is inspired by the letter Connors left for his fans.

It’s a limited edition, for the commemorative project only and Fauvelle has donated 35 to the Indiegogo campaign.

“If there was a story to tell, or something to celebrate, Tom sang about it,” MacIntyre said. “We’re thinking about him today, and we hope that Canadians everywhere will take a moment to help us with this commemorative bronze. It’s a matter of pride, of honouring a true Canadian voice.”

For more info on the campaign or to contribute, visit http://igg.me/at/StompinStatue.