Benefit concert tonight in Yellowknife for Syrian refugees

An event tonight in Yellowknife hopes to raise money for Syrian refugees coming to live in the city.

The performing arts benefit at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre is the first major fundraiser by Yellowknife groups aiming to help resettle Syrian families.

Acts include Double Treble, Mary Caroline, shadow puppetry and storytelling.

• Fiddling sisters N.W.T.'s cultural delegates for 2016 Arctic Winter Games

"It's quite a diverse lineup that we think will really please the Yellowknife audience," said Suzette Montreuil, a member of Yellowknifers Supporting Syrian Refugees.

Montreuil said there are five groups each working to bring a Syrian family to Yellowknife. Four are working with Yellowknifers Supporting Syrian Refugees and hope to raise $20,000 in support of each family by the time they arrive.

She said two groups have been assigned families so far but do not yet have an arrival date.

Tonight's show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and tickets are $25, or $18 for students and seniors.