DRAKE DOES GOOD OVER HOLIDAYS FOR SICK KIDS' AND THE LINCOLN RISING

Kardinal Offishall, Lincoln J. Russell, Drake
 and Director X among others at Fundraiser for
The Lincoln Rising

Canadian Hip-Hop Star Drake spent much of his Holidays in Toronto doing good for the City and for that I admire him. Just Wednesday afternoon, the Juno-winning/Grammy-nominated Rapper visited The Hospital for Sick Children, spending time with Children unable to leave their Rooms, followed by Autographs and a Meet & Greet. One lucky young Lady was put through to his Buddy Justin Bieber via Speed Dial as per request, making her wildest dream come true. You'd have to have a cold, cold heart not to recognize that as being incredibly kind-spirited.



According to a Press Release, Drake also met Hospital Patients who have at some point taken part in its Music Therapy Program, enjoying some performances by them. Before leaving for the day, he donated approximately $70,000 to the Program. What a Guy!

Drake played Host on Boxing Day evening at a Fundraiser held Midtown to raise money for  former Toronto Stunt Actor & Martial Artist Lincoln J. Russell, who is now crippled as a result of his rare illness - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The rare Disease causes  much pain, eventually resulting in a loss of nerve sensation and control over ones' own body.

Drake arrives at 398West

Organized by Music Video Director X (Little X) and featuring appearances also by Comedian Russell Peters and Rapper Kardinal Offishall, the two-part affair was aimed to raise money for The Lincoln Rising.  The Organization created in Russell's honour, funds costs of his treatment, covered only partially by the Government.  The festivities were timed in tandem with his Birthday and consisted of a $500/head Dinner at 398West, followed by a Party at Lot 332 in the City's Entertainment District.

About half an hour before the Dinner, Russell's Handlers could be seen doing practice runs with his Motorized Wheelchair from a side street to the Restaurant in order to ensure his safety.  After a few run-throughs, he was lifted out of the front-seat of his vehicle, dressed in a loose-fitting Hoodie and Sneakers.  A fashionably-late Drake arrived at the venue about 20 minutes after the event began at 7:30 PM, pulling up in his distinguishable curtain-adorned Car; his Entourage arrived in an Escalade.  

Drake & Mr. Will-W.

Drake came over to greet me before heading in, posing for a Photo and throwing the signature Young Money Entertainment Hand-Sign, representing its West Coast origins. Unfortunately though, my Camera was unable to focus in-time to capture the moment - but nonetheless, I'm impressed with his kind nature.  And I can't blame a good Guy for my Camera's failure now really, can I?  Drake was scheduled to do some Filming for a Movie he's been working on following the appearance, as confirmed by the Event Publicist.

Blogger Photo Riot! was incredibly nice to snap a Photo of Drake and me interacting (above). If you have a moment, check out his Blog here.    

This evening's Fundraising brought in a phenomenal total $150k for The Lincoln Rising.  To learn more about The Lincoln Rising and how to donate/win some Auction items click here.

To follow Drake on Twitter, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W./Sasha Stoltz/Photo Riot!)