Geddy Lee , the influential bassist and vocalist behind the classic Canadian rockers Rush , was honored last Saturday, the 11th, with a lifetime achievement award from the non-profit organization Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) at a gala party at the musician's home in Toronto.
But the award is not a recognition of the artist's musical output. It is a humanitarian honor, saluting Lee's commitment to philanthropy, according to a press release obtained by Samaritanmag.com.
This is because, over the years, the Rush icon has supported charitable initiatives such as the Toronto Food Bank, Alberta Floods, Doctors Without Borders, Grapes for Humanity, United Way , the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, and others. This is in addition to his contributions to brain cancer research, the type that led to the death of Rush drummer Neil Peart .
The APJ event is held annually, around the same time as the Toronto International Film Festival. This year's gala, hosted by Canadian radio personality George Stroumboulopoulos , is already sold out. The event promises live performances by Haitian artist Paul Beaubrun , Kayla Diamond of Slaight Music , and a virtual performance by Rick Springfield , as well as video greetings from actors Ben Stiller and Susan Sarandon .
According to the organization's website, “APJ is comprised of artists, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines who believe in the power of artists to change the world. We believe that everyone has the creative capacity and the voice to make a difference and that [we should] leverage our collective talent to help create a more just and peaceful world.” Its board of directors in the U.S. includes Stiller and Sarandon as co-chairs.
Rush, as a group, had previously received the 2015 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award Juno Awards . In 2017, they received the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit from the Canadian broadcasting industry.