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.