Four weeks out from the annual StarJam concert at the end of November, jammers and their families received devastating news the charity was immediately ceasing to operate.
But what was then the StarJam group, Ashburton Groove Getters, stuck together.
And volunteer Nicola Algie decided the show must go on.
Groove Getters kept their name, and joined with other similar groups throughout Canterbury.
On the last Saturday in November, they enthralled their audience with a captivating concert.
Algie was ecstatic with the result.
‘‘The concert was big hit and the jammers got to be they superstars they are. It went better than I thought it would with only three weeks planning,’’ Algie said.
The Groove Getters were joined in their performance of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer by other jammers, family, Algie and other volunteers.
They were stoked to be able to dance after months of preparation.
Chloe performing as Rudolph said she loved that everyone got to be themselves and have fun.
‘‘When Santa played by Ollie took to the stage the crowd went crazy,’’ Algie said.
Ollie said enjoyed being dressed up on stage and jamming with his friends Algie was grateful to Vicki-Anne Parker from NZ Gifts of Love and Strength who supported the organisers behind the scenes.
Algie said they decided that the donations made at the concert should be given to Parker’s organisation handing over $1246.20.
