From Friday night spots at comedy clubs to early evening shows in backyards, COVID-19 has brought a change of pace for Prince George comedians Cody Malbeuf and Mike McGuire.
The two have started a hybrid comedy tour-fundraising campaign, “A Wheely Funny Garden Party”, that looks to responsibly entertain during the pandemic while raising money for the Wheelin’ Warriors of the North.
The Wheelin’ Warriors is a cycling club that raises money to fight cancer and participates in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 225-kilometre ride that typically takes place in late August.
To date, the team has raised over one million dollars.
“I’ve had to get a lot more family-friendly… a lot of my jokes sound a lot more horrible in the light of day,” Malbeuf explained with a laugh.
Malbeuf said supporting the Wheelin’ Warriors felt like a logical step:
“Mike McGuire was kind of the brains behind the operation, and he’s on the team, and I’m on the team as well. We thought this was a fun way to keep the fundraising efforts going despite everything going on.”
The pair performed their first show on June 13th and already have booked nine shows in total. Malbeuf said the early success makes him think the project has longevity:
“If we stay busy this summer, we might just keep doing shows. We might do this every summer.”
Between the shows completed and money anticipated from pre-bookings, the two have raised about $1800.
The shows have been socially-distanced, averaging about ten audience members.
Bookings require a minimum donation of $200 and can be made by calling Mike McGuire at 250-961-4767.