On November 3rd, a benefit concert and raffle draw was held at Call the Office in London, On to raise funds in support of Rajaie “Roger” Elshorafa and his family. Mr. Elshorafa was brutally attacked outside of his convenience store, Horton Variety, on October 21st. The 56-year-old father of three remains in hospital, now stabilized after being in critical condition for the last month. For twenty years, Mr. Elshorafa has provided for his family as the sole owner and operator of the convenience store. The store remains closed while the family focuses on his recovery.
Photo provided by Natalie Diezyn
After hearing the news, many community members, including Jesse MacCabe, felt compelled to act. MacCabe is a member of a local band, Traumahawk, who shares a “jam space” with many other bands in the City Centre Storage building across the street from Horton Variety. He doesn’t know Roger well, except as the man who provides him with his “pre/post-jam snacks [and a] quick chat,” but the attack hit him hard. He knew something needed to be done.
MacCabe, along with his wife, Dana, spearheaded what quickly became a larger community effort by reaching out to fellow musicians and then local businesses and venues. In his words, the idea “took on a life of its own…the response was massive.” Without being asked, people and businesses came forward to offer their services and time. Edgar and Joe’s Cafe provided an array of sandwiches, desserts and coffee. Local vendors donated goods to the raffle draw, including tattoo gift certificates, London Knights tickets, and artisanal goods.
Aptly named “This One’s for Roger,” the benefit concert featured six local bands: Twin Fin, Snacks?, Traumahawk, DYER, Sparring Partner and Aaron Allen with Archie Gamble. The idea for a benefit concert grew out of MacCabe’s love for London’s music scene: “I love being a part of [the local music community] and I’m glad we were able to bring some folks out to the event who may not often get to see this part of London.”
Photo provided by Natalie Diezyn
I am one of those folks. That Friday night, I walked past the ever-stigmatized Dundas Street, rounded a corner many of us Western kids only ever take on our way home from the Greyhound station, and found a warm and eclectic sense of community. MacCabe explained the venue choice: “Call the Office has a special place in mine and many local musicians’ hearts. For me, I’ve been going to shows there since I was in my early teen years, seeing some of my most memorable shows that have shaped me as a music lover and musician”. As a first-timer, the only description I can offer feels contrived but nonetheless: Call the Office is part grunge, part punk rock, and surprisingly cozy—a less commercialized Ceeps that doesn’t call attention to its authenticity. On this night, over 400 Londoners filled the space to grab a beer, have a dance, win some prizes and, ultimately, show their support.
Photo provided by Natalie Diezyn
And show their support they did.
“The night was amazing. The bands were great. The crowd was electric and the raffle was successful beyond expectation. It was two weeks of so much work and organization but I wouldn’t change it for anything,” MacCabe said.
Through the hard work and generosity of local businesses, musicians, and individual community members, the event raised $7,450 for the Elshorafa family, some of whom were in attendance that night. Reflecting back on the event, MacCabe said:
“I was continually blown away by the sheer selflessness and generosity of folks I either didn’t know or haven’t talked to in years coming forward to offer their products, services and time to help this cause in any way. I think the absolute brutality of the act by this sick individual combined with how well liked Roger is in the community really just brought people forward to get involved. It was absolutely amazing to see such a positive event come from such a negative occurrence.”
This one’s for Roger and the entire London community who rallied around him. Thank you for your solidarity.
If you would like to show your support for Mr. Elshorafa and his family, a Go Fund Me page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/helping-horton-varity-victem.
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