In a stroke of inspiration, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, through its Kitchener, Ontario chapter, has come up with a colourful and creative way to raise awareness and funds.

Allison Crowe is among the artists and celebrities to participate in "A Brush of Hope" - painting a small canvas that will be exhibited and auctioned off later this year. Alex Lifeson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Rick Mercer, Susan Aglukark, Daniel Lanois, Liona Boyd, Hawksley Workman, Ronnie Hawkins, Monika Schnarre, Sheila Copps, Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, Allison and others have picked up a paint-brush to help bring attention to the crisis surrounding kidney disease and kidney-related illness, not only in Canada, but around the globe.

After these paintings are exhibited, at various locations in Southern Ontario, an online auction will be held in late October/November 2006. More details about this event to support the funding of kidney research in Canada will be announced soon. For info, please contact Tim Fox, Senior Development Manager or Jennifer Francis, Program Coordinator 1-800-667-3597 or email kidneykw@kidney.ca.

Allison Crowe's transcontinental "Rock'n'Rail Revue", a tour of Canada from sea-to-sea by VIA Rail, will roll out from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C. in mid-May. More word on that adventure later this week.