Jeff Burrows’ Drum Marathon Hits $800,000 Milestone for Charity

For nearly two decades, Jeff Burrows, the drummer of Canadian rock band The Tea Party, has made significant contributions to the charitable landscape of Windsor-Essex. This past May, Burrows held the 19th edition of his 24-Hour Drum Marathon, an event that has raised close to $800,000 for local charities since its inception. This year alone, the marathon generated $40,000, showcasing the enduring support of the community.

The marathon, which combines endurance with musical celebration, attracts musicians, fans, and volunteers from across the region. Beneficiaries include organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Harmony In Action, and Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services. Burrows expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, stating, “I’ve got people that have come ten years in a row, nineteen years in a row. They’re all donating their time. It’s not just me—it’s a whole team behind it.”

Looking ahead, Burrows plans to conclude the marathon with a final edition in 2026. “We’re going to go out with a big bang,” he promised, indicating that while this chapter may close, his philanthropic efforts will continue. Earlier in the year, he collaborated with LIUNA Local 625 for the Labour Day S’Aints concert at Leamington’s historic Bank Theatre. This family-friendly event attracted around 4,000 attendees and raised nearly $9,000 for the St. John’s Anglican Church food bank.

Founded by Burrows and singer/songwriter Jody Raffoul, The S’Aints is a Windsor-based supergroup known for its annual Christmas charity concerts that support local food banks. Burrows noted that attendees travel from all over the world for these performances, highlighting the strong sense of community in Windsor, Essex, and Chatham-Kent.

In addition to large events, Burrows embraces smaller fundraisers, such as an upcoming benefit concert on October 30, 2023, at Banded Goose Brewery to support the Kingsville Community Food Bank. “These smaller food banks in Kingsville, Leamington, and LaSalle are literally run by volunteers,” he explained. “They’re grassroots. I love that. Why not help them? This is our backyard.”

Burrows’ commitment to philanthropy is intertwined with his musical career. His band, The Tea Party, is set to embark on a major cross-Canada tour this fall, alongside Canadian rock legends Finger Eleven and the Headstones. The tour will kick off in Penticton, B.C., and will stop in major cities like Edmonton, Ottawa, and Halifax, with a concert scheduled in Windsor on December 10 at Caesars Windsor.

As part of the tour, Burrows is auctioning a “Drum Tech for a Day” experience at select shows, with all proceeds benefiting UHC’s Hub of Opportunity Food Assistance Program. This initiative has already seen overwhelming interest, with limited spots selling out rapidly in locations such as Penticton, Abbotsford, Windsor, and Moncton.

Reflecting on his journey, Burrows stated, “I’m really, really lucky.” With plans for new music and upcoming charity events, he continues to demonstrate how music and philanthropy can harmoniously coexist. Over the years, he has united musicians, volunteers, and fans, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities across Windsor-Essex. As his 20th Drum Marathon approaches, Burrows remains a vital force in both the music and charitable sectors, proving that giving back is just as rewarding as creating music.