Neil Young To Receive Humanitarian Award

Legendary musician Neil Young will receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award during the JUNOs, Canada’s music awards event, on March 27. The Allan Waters Humanitarian Award “recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada.”

A long time campaigner for social issues, Young’s concern about the survivability of American small farms led him to co-found Farm Aid, a benefit concert and awareness drive, in the mid-80s, along with musicians Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp. In its 25 years of existence, Farm Aid has raised over 37 million dollars to help save farms from foreclosure.

Young also co-founded the Bridge School – an organization that assists and educates physically disabled children – in response to his own frustration in finding suitable schools for his two children with cerebral palsy.

Raising money through concerts has been a common element for Young over decades, both at home and abroad, supporting famine and poverty relief in developing nations.

“We are thrilled to salute Neil Young’s committed and compassionate legacy,” said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of The JUNO Awards, in a press release. “As a driving force behind one of music’s most successful fundraising events, Farm Aid, and a key participant in Live 8 right here at home, plus many other deserving causes and programs, his tenacity and spirit is highly regarded among his peers and serves as an inspiration to all of us.”