Introduction
ETA Cameron Michael Caton, also known as C-Elvis or CoVid Elvis, by Hamilton and area residents, hoped his free Pop-Up show in Eleanor Park, Hamilton, ON, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, would beat last year’s record of almost 1,900lbs in non-perishable food donations in a single day. Before Cameron even sang a single note, it was obvious that those who came out to see Cameron’s fabulous show meant to ensure that donations surpassed the 2000lb mark. A truck from the food bank was at the ready to load up the donations—even before the show began, in anticipation of the generosity of the people of Hamilton and Elvis fans. The final total: 3806 lbs! Well done, everyone!
I wrote last week about Cameron’s talent as an artist and made some comparisons between Cameron and Elvis. Last night was the 45th anniversary of Elvis’s passing, and Cameron paid tribute and gave recognition to Elvis. At the request of Nancy and Stephan who drove 7 hours from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, to see Cameron’s show, Cameron sang “Amazing Grace”. It was one of two moments during an evening filled with fun, music, dance and tribute that stood out for me. The other memorable, and heartfelt, moment came when Cameron shared a beautiful passage that he wrote and saved to his phone so he would not forget a word. With Cameron’s permission, I am pleased to share the following with you.
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen
I wrote this all down because I didn't want to forget what I wanted to say because so often my thoughts jump the tracks.
My name is Cameron Michael Caton, aka CoVid-Elvis, and I want to thank you all for being here this evening at our 7th Pop-Up Food Drive on this the 45th Anniversary of the King Elvis Presley's untimely passing.
For the last 2 and a quarter years I've had privilege and honor of doing something I would have never imagined doing. Who would have thought a global pandemic, a jumpsuit, and singing the songs of Elvis Presley would have put us on such a journey?
In doing so we've been able to use our gift in helping so many people, and not just throughout Hamilton but in other cities as well, who find it increasingly difficult to simply survive on a day-to-day basis. No one should go without the basic needs and essentials such as food, no one should go to bed hungry, no woman, man, or child should go hungry in this country, or not be able to comb their hair or brush their teeth or have shelter to lay their head down at night with the comfort of knowing they are safe and protected from the elements. I can tell you that as a kid growing up with one parent working and a family of 6 we did not have a lot—no extras, but I can tell you we never went to bed or to school hungry or without a warm bed to sleep in. Those are basic human essentials that sadly for many don't exist. For me, and as it should be for all, this does not sit well and I'll tell you why.
This is CANADA, a first world country and far too rich of a country for this to be happening! Of all the places to be born, I was born in Canada with many opportunities, and in doing so, won the gene pool lottery. I can think of no better place to be born in than Canada. I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Hamilton has been my home for almost 57 years. Having said that, I've been given the opportunity to use my gift and do my part in making my city just a little better of a place than when I first arrived. When my time comes and I'm no longer on this side of life, I will take comfort in knowing—all be it as small as it may be, I have served value and purpose. I thank you for supporting us with all we started out doing a little over 2 years ago, all we've done and all we will continue to do, on this journey of helping others. This is something I have said from day one, "I am simply the spark that got the fire started and people are the fuel to keep it burning." And I will leave you with this, 'If you can only manage to do one thing today, let that one thing be kindness. Kindness for yourself and kindness for others because being kind takes no effort and the easiest thing we can do for one another.” Thank you, thank you so very, very much.
Editor’s Note: As I was preparing Cameron’s post, I was moved to tears by his honesty and heartfelt comments, especially when he spoke of ‘kindness’. It is a word that has all but disappeared from our vocabulary. Thank you, Cameron, for reminding us that in a world where we may feel powerless to heal all the ills, we can start by doing one kind deed for others (and for ourselves) each day—an attainable goal, and one with a ripple effect. Peace and love, everyone.
Thank you for coming to Cameron Caton's shows and showing kindness to all. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur and everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine.
Thank you for coming to Cameron Caton's shows and showing kindness to all. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur and everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine.
