Testimonials

“The AFC gave me hope when I was hopeless”

– Rob Dowding
Lamp Operator

After a difficult year I had just been offered a new job and arrived on set excited about starting work. Three hours later I was in the hospital.

A 130 pound super crank fell out of a truck, splitting my skull and cutting me from neck to ear. The accident left me with stitches and severe neck injuries that would require ten weeks of physiotherapy and more time to fully recover. It could have been a lot worse, but at the time it seemed like the worst thing that could have happened.

Upset and worried about the future I called The AFC. I was treated me with respect and understanding, something which came as an immediate relief. They paid my rent and bills during a month when I never could have done it on my own and would have faced eviction. Having them help felt like having a friend in bad times and the support they gave allowed me to weather a rough period.

Accidents like mine happen all the time, and there is no way of knowing if it will be you or somebody you care about who will need assistance from The AFC. That’s why I would urge everybody who is working to donate what they can so that the lifeline for Canada’s entertainment industry remains able to support those in need. What The AFC gives is so much more than money. They can really help to restore a person’s hope for the future, I know because they restored mine.

There are many wonderful charities out there and you should give to the ones you feel passionate about. That said, those of us in the entertainment industry should remember that we have our own charity that exists to serve our community. If you can, please support The AFC. It can make a huge difference in somebody’s life. It did in mine.