We Are The World Nova Scotia: Connecting Through A Love of Music, People and A Place We All Love

Although I have been away for forty years, I go home to Nova Scotia every summer to be with friends and family enjoying the great summers on the Mira River. Yes, I still call it home

This time of dealing with covid19 has been difficult for many including me and to add to that a tragedy that was unimaginable which will have a lifelong impact for many seemed as if the world was falling apart a piece at a time. Getting together in a typical Nova Scotian kitchen style party (online) was a great way to connect with others. Just a bunch of regular people, Maritmers or those connected to the maritimes getting together. Everyone was welcome to join in.

On a day before the tragedies, I happened upon a Facebook post where I saw the invitation to do a virtual choir. A little apprehensive, I thought why not do something scary and fun. Music can help in this time I thought , so I decided to jump in. I did not know a soul or really what I was about to do. I just clicked the button to join and voila they let me in. Somewhat like when I made the quick decision to move to Alberta from Dartmouth , Nova Scotia forty years ago with five boxes, five hundred dollars and did not know a single person or what to expect. I just did it without regret. Life can be like that sometimes if we take positive risks. For me and I am sure for many music can bring life into an otherwise ordinary day and for me that day it absolutely did.

Nova Scotians always seem to find a way to come together in tough times such as this beautiful tribute Nova Scotia Remembers . Music and gatherings define so many in the region.

We too came together because of covid19 and music thanks to the passion project of James Desmond aka Jaye Dee and his team Chris Whalen, Shawn Downey and Jeremy Sikkema.We Are The World Nova Scotia connected us all , adding some positivity into each of our days. Soon there will come a time where we won’t walk the beaches alone and be together.

Hopefully, your days will be just a little brighter just like it was for Pam Donahee Archibald who is a proud Nova Scotian and part of this project. Pam has a passion for music, children, and the beautiful nature her province has to offer. This project has given her an opportunity to be a part of something joyful, a way to lift others up and bring hope in a time when many of us are feeling helpless. Her hope for our world is to remember this time as a time of connecting on a meaningful level. Reminding us to take time for one another and not to take others for granted always giving each other grace. Never stop singing says Pam! Music is a powerful source to share love and peace as well as helping us stay strong together.

There are so many great people involved in this project and you can learn a little more about a few of them below:

Thank you my new found friends and collaborators. Someday soon we may all get together for a true maritime kitchen party and sing We Are The World Nova Scotian Style.

Pam Archibald

Julie Atkinson

Katie Atkinson

Jason Biddiscome

Pat Brogan

George Cameron

Marcie Clowry

Geordy Craig

Yvonne Dawe

Katey Day-Rick

Stephanie Deaton

James Desmond

Jennifer Desmond

Brianna Desmond

Shawn Downey

Lorraine Gallant

Danielle Nicole Gofton

Hannah and Zack  Graham

Theresa Hunter

Bill Jeffery

Denise Jones Kendall

Joey Laviolette

Marc Little

Margaret Macdonald

Marie Ann MacEachern

Elizabeth Mason Squires

Kristina McCulley

Brian Morrison

Myra Moulton

Renee O Brien

Alice Patterson

Amy Peaker

Tina Robicheau

Jeremy Sikkema.

Susan Spellman Cann

Tracy Webb

Chris Whalen

Sawyer Whalen

Julie and Katie Atkinson live in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia . Julie has been singing in concerts since she was about nine years old. her mom says,” I’m pretty sure she was born singing”. She is a 2020 graduate, who is praying that she will have some sort of a graduation and prom. This covid 19 situation has been hard on her as she is a social butterfly and used to being surrounded by her friends. When the opportunity to be part of the this song came along, she jumped at it.

Katie, she is a grade 8 student, who is actually loving the fact that there is no school, she plays hockey, soccer, volley ball and softball and is missing her sports quite a bit. This was a first for her. She sings a lot at home, but never in front of anyone. She dreams of being able to get on the stage like her sister, but just doesn’t have the courage. Her mom Tiffany is proud of her for wanting to be part of this project and having the courage to do so.” I couldn’t be prouder of both of my girls for being part of something that spreads a little positivity, hope and strength in this crazy world!”

Jason Biddiscombe Started playing guitar at 15. I learned how to play and write music on my own. Always looked up to Coldplay. Lived in the dark side my whole life. Dartmouth lol.

Yvonne Dawe I’m from London Ontario. My husband William Dawe is from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton. I love to sing. I’ve posted a few videos to the ultimate Nova Scotia online kitchen party. When I heard of this project I was excited to be involved. I’m in the tenor choir. I’ve grown up in a generation where if your sad sing , if your happy sing. When you hear a good song sing. I sing to my grand babies. I have 3. i still sing and dance with them. It helps keep the music in their hearts. I sent in vocals and I’m honored to be involved in this project. We can reunite to send a message we are the world. We will stay strong together no matter how far apart we live. God bless Nova Scotia and to all in the world ! We come home every year. I’ve fallen in love with Cape Breton.

Jennifer Fidgen Desmond I was born and raised in Nova Scotia, currently living on the Eastern Shore, Musquodoboit Harbour. I am Jamie’s mom ❤️ and loved his idea to do this project. He has always tried to use his music to touch someone or show what he was feeling. So yes I am a proud mom lol. I am not a great singer , but was blessed to be part of this project and be able to see all of the amazing talent and support that was shown throughout this whole journey. So thank you to all! I will also speak about Brianna Desmond, Jamie’s little sister (12) she is a singer, actress, pianist, hockey player and so much more. Her and Jamie frequently work together on little projects. She also was excited to be part or this. We all wanted to spread hope and the togetherness that we all need right now.

Lorraine Gallant I am a proud maritimer living in New Brunswick. I am a mother, grandmother, crafter, artist, and lover of music, who’s been singing publicly for 20+ years. As much as the original ‘We Are The World’ collaboration made such an impact on the world, I joined this project thinking that we could replicate a bit of hope and feelings of togetherness in our small corner of the planet to show that we can get through this together. With the situation with covid-19 and the tragedy in Nova Scotia, that is more important now than ever before.

Danielle Nicole Gofton I was born and raised here in Nova Scotia. I currently live in Eastern Passage and have loved singing since the day I could talk. Being a part of this amazing collaboration of “We Are the World” was an honour. Even if this touches just one person we have brought hope to that person. With everything happening right now with COVID-19 and the senseless tragedy here in NS, it is more important than ever that we spread a little bit of hope and love to everyone. My hope for the world is that we come away from this time not taking each other for granted. Don’t take for granted the time we have together, or who truly matters in our lives. Be humble and show your love for others in any way you know how.

Theresa Hunter I was born and raised in southern Ontario until the age of 16 where I moved with my family to beautiful New Brunswick. It is where I have settled and now raising my two beautiful daughters and step daughter with the love of my life. I am an essential worker, a Postmaster for Canada Post in Florenceville NB. I have many passions from art, fitness and outdoor adventures to music. I love playing guitar and I’m always singing my heart out, trying to overcome my fear of singing for others.  

This project sparked my interest soon after I learned to play this song on guitar which I recorded as a tribute to the devastation happening all around us. I feel it is perfectly fitting for what is happening in our world right now and to think that so many can come together from far and wide to contribute to this … it really is a beautiful and meaningful way to bring people together while having to keep a distance.

I am so proud and honoured to have been a part of this collaboration of “We Are The World” from the very beginning and I hope it brings hope and light in a way to touch the hearts of so many in such tragic times. #WeAretheWorld#WeAretheChildren ❤🌎

Bill Jeffery This was a project that while we are in Newfoundland, gave me an opportunity to show support for Nova Scotia and bring people together. Having lived in Lower Sackville for five years, our family considers Nova Scotia our second home. With great support The Lonely Man Project has received from men and women in Nova Scotia, this was a great way to give back and I was so honored to be included.

Denise Jones Kendall I was born and raised on the beautiful Island of Cape Breton. 23 yrs ago, my husband, myself and our son, moved out west to Grande Prairie, Alberta. We’re so excited to say we’re working on moving back home. ☺️ Singing, animals and helping heal the hearts of others, have always been my biggest passions. I’ve kept my love of singing a secret for most of my life out of fear. When I had this beautiful opportunity to try out for this wonderful tribute, I gave it no thought and followed my heart. I wanted to be a part of something beautiful, inspiring and so full of love, and that could also help make a difference in people’s lives. I wanted my 4 beautiful pups to be in the video with me. They give me so much love. They’re a huge part of my life and I know so many others can relate to them. Coming together in tough times sends a beautiful healing ripple all around the world. It can help heal the loneliest and most broken of hearts. Life is so precious. We all need the reminder that we’re never truly alone. Someone is always there with an ear to listen and a heart full of lots of love. I’m so grateful to have been a part of so much love and with such wonderful souls. Home of my heart, Cape Breton, Sydney, Nova Scotia. 💚

Joey Laviolette I am from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. I am a Plumber, Professional boxer, a Musician and a family man that’s pretty much me in a nutshell. I started playing piano at around 14, then the guitar when I was 16 .I learned mostly from my dad who is a great guitar player. My first introduction to writing music was with rap when I was around 14. I also am a boxer who competed with the Canadian Olympic team for 3 years. I have 4 Canadian titles as an amateur and am currently the jr lightweight champion of Canada I have a great wife Lisa and an amazing 6 year old name Breah

Margaret Macdonald I was born and raised on Prince Edward Island. I have been a resident Care Worker for 35 years love taking care of seniors. I love music and animals. My hope for the world is that we don’t return to our old ways never having time for anyone or anything we know now what is important, family and friends not material things.

Marie Ann MacEachern I was born in beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and now live in Cole Harbour. I have a great passion for music. I have loved to sing since I was a little girl. This project has meant so much to me and being a part of this project has brought such joy and hope to many people and families in a time when it is needed the most. Nova Scotia Strong! We Are The World and We Are All In This Together.

Kristina McCulley I’m a 20 year old yodeller, born and raised in the Annapolis valley. I’ve always been very passionate for music, participating in fundraisers, variety shows, jam sessions and contests across the maritimes. I’m so grateful to be a part of this project that has brought people across the world together. Hopefully this will strengthen us as a province and create love through all the tragic events happening. #NovaScotiaStrong

Tina Robicheau I’ve lived in NS since I was 10 yrs old. My parents were both born here and decided to move back home in April of 1978. I remembering thinking how beautiful it was and was surprised that first winter, how warm it was compared to where I was born, which was Winnipeg, MB. From as early as I can remember, my mother has been my biggest musical influence and inspiration. She would drag me around with her to different benefits all over the place. I would sing with her and the band and think … wow, this is kinda cool. I joined my high school choir along with two church choirs in my teens. Music has been a part of my life for a long time. When this opportunity came up … I did not hesitate. And with the recent tragedy involving two VON Colleges from the Colchester Branch, I felt even more of a passion to participate.

Amy Peaker I live in Victoria, B.C and have been singing since I was little. I have a passion for all kinds of music and was so proud to be part of a remake for “We Are The World”. I believe it will bring hope and strength to everyone who has lost someone. We are all in this together 💜

Tracy Webb  While born in Ontario, I have lived in the Valley for most of my life, coming from generations of proud Nova Scotians (Cape Breton, Westchester, and the South Shore) and recently retired after 35 years of teaching High school sciences. Music has always been a huge part of my life, from a child to now, as I play different instruments in several groups. While not really a vocalist, I do love singing and I am so grateful to be part of this project. The idea of the original “We Are The World” still holds as much power now, if not more so, as it did in 1985. To come together and share the message of hope, of being there for each other, and supporting our communities beyond borders is so important and precious. In light of the Covid 19 paradigm affecting so many globally, and in particular, the recent horrible tragedy of 23 lost lives here at home, this song and collaboration among “strangers” sharing gifts of music from the heart is profound and poignant. My wish is that every child can grow up knowing love, that people live in gratitude for who they have in their lives, and they can live life fully each day. Do random acts of kindness, and exist in simple joy … care and empathy for others goes a long way in living peacefully. We Are The World … together ❤️

Geordy Craig I was born and raised in Ontario. but have many, many relatives in NB mostly in the Miramichi. I’ve been playing music and singing for about 15 years and love it. I was very happy to be a part of this project and being the first person to sing on this video was really amazing too. Music brings people together as you can clearly see in these times. Although I live in Ontario, I feel very connected to the East Coast and was deeply saddened by the events that happened in Nova Scotia. Knowing that people will listen to this and donate money to help people recover from losing loved ones is a great feeling too! Great job everyone on this project!

Maybe we can pick the pieces up , one piece at a time and music is a great place to start. Thank you James Desmond for caring enough to want to do make a difference and inviting us all to be a part of this virtual kitchen party..

James Desmond, also known as Jaye Dee, was born in Halifax Nova Scotia, raised in Musquodoboit Harbour. James has been writing music ever since he was 12 years old . He use to do hip hop for a long time, and then switched over to country/folk. His favourite singer is Elvis Presley. James always wanted to change the world with his music . This collaborative video came from his heart. 

The Municipality of Colchester started a web page called “Heart Colchester” that shares more than a dozen links to GoFundMe pages for victims. The link in this video is for the Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund and we hope you too will consider contributing in some way.

Maybe we will see you all in the next virtual kitchen party. Until then stay safe , sing to your hearts content, cuddle up or send messages to the ones you love and keep Nova Scotia and the people in your heart. We look forward to you visiting our beautiful province and the people who make it special soon.