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NDP Leader Jack Layton spent a couple hours busking on Toronto's Danforth Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 24. Layton was raising money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which battles HIV and AIDS in Africa.
Jack Layton busks on busy Toronto street
Updated: Sat Oct. 24 2009 6:50:52 PM
ctvtoronto.ca
While he's known for singing a familiar chorus in Parliament and keeping his political foes in check, NDP Leader Jack Layton had a different tune in mind on Saturday: raising cash.
On Toronto's busy Danforth Avenue, many locals were surprised to see one of Canada's most well-known politicians busking with his acoustic guitar.
Layton was singing to raise money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting HIV and AIDS in Africa.
Lewis, a former Ontario NDP leader, recently finished up his tenure as the United Nations' special envoy to the region.
On Saturday afternoon, Layton sang for about two hours and had a chance to chat with curious onlookers and political supporters alike.
Layton's performance, which occurred in his home riding of Toronto-Danforth, comes a few weeks after Prime Minister Stephen Harper performed a Beatles tune with acclaimed cellist Yo Yo Ma at the National Arts Centre Gala in Ottawa.
