As Carrie Underwood wraps her 2012-13 “Blown Away Tour” tonight in Abbotsford, B.C., Canada, a $1 million donation is being made to the Red Cross for disaster relief. The charitable contribution to the Red Cross derives from the tour’s concert proceeds and was established when it launched in spring 2012.
“I have watched the devastation in my home state of Oklahoma over the past several days with great sadness,” said the Checotah native in a news release. “With the help of my fans who attended my concerts over the past year, we can offer the Red Cross a little extra help in comforting those affected by the recent tornadoes.”
Deadly tornadoes ripped through central Oklahoma Sunday and Monday, including an EF5 twister that killed at least 24 and destroyed homes, schools and businesses. Underwood’s contribution to disaster relief will help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other catastrophes around the country, including Oklahoma, according to the release.
“The impact of the tornadoes in Oklahoma and the Midwest was devastating and the road to recovery will be long for many families. Through the generosity of Carrie, the American Red Cross can quickly respond with shelter, food and comfort now, and with lasting help as they move toward recovery,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the Red Cross, in the release.
Every year, the American Red Cross prepares for and responds to nearly 70,000 disasters across the United States where they provide shelter, food, and emotional
support for those in need. Proceeds from her Canadian concerts will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.
Earlier in her lengthy tour, following a performance in Atlantic City, N.J., the 2005 “American Idol” winner designated funds to support the response and relief efforts in New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
“Crazy thought: we started the tour mid September 2012 & the tour ends tonight…that’s 8 months (granted, we took some time for Christmas),” Underwood posted on Twitter @carrieunderwood earlier today.
“Thanks to all who came out to see us throughout this amazing time in our lives! We have received so much love and support on this tour!”
The tour included home-state concerts last fall in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Since releasing her debut album in 2005, Underwood has sold more than 15 million albums and placed 17 No. 1 singles on the charts. Her most recent album, “Blown Away,” made history by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, making her only the second country artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. The now-platinum-selling “Blown Away” album also debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, making the Oklahoma native only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1. She is a six-time Grammy winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.\
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