Victoria-born record producer, songwriter and arranger David Foster has worked with some of the biggest names in music. But the award he just received at the 2019 Juno Awards Gala Dinner had nothing to do with music.
Foster's work with the David Foster Foundation, which provides financial support to families with children needing life-saving organ transplants, earned him the the 'Humanitarian of the Year award.'
Speaking on CFAX 1070 this morning Foster says the award is very special to him:
" You know when you think about it, you know, is Elton John going to remember for his music or eradication of AIDS? And Mohammed Ali, will he be remembered for his fights inside the ring or his fights and challenges outside of the ring? And so, in a very, very small way, it's very possible that I'll be remembered for my foundation and not for my music, which is just fine with me."
The foundation started 33 years ago in Victoria with softball game fundraisers, and has grown steadily. Foster says they are working towards a possible $100-thousand legacy.
Meantime Foster is advocating for Victoria to become a host city for the Juno awards. He says he put in a pitch in with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS):
"So when I was with the head of CARAS I said hey, let's do this thing in Victoria. You're going to Saskatoon, You've been in London, you've been in Hamilton, let's go to Victoria. So I put it in his brain last night and he said yeah, that sounds like a great idea. And it would be a great idea. It would be incredible for Victoria and incredible for the country."
Next year the event moves to Saskatoon. Traditionally the Junos have been hosted by Toronto, and last year Vancouver got the chance. Mid to smaller-sized cities have also hosted in the past, including St. John's, Newfoundland in 2002.