Comedy show

A Saint John comedy-and-music night is raising money for people who rely on local outreach services.

Organizer Cive Lucas has been running charity comedy shows since late 2023 under the name “Bad Words for a Good Cause”.

Lucas said the idea began after seeing how many small charities depend on community donations to continue their work.

“The whole point of these shows is … money in the pocket of a charity where it’s going right to the cause,” Lucas said.

He explained that he covers the production costs himself, so the charities receive funds even when turnout is low.

Lucas said he lives on Waterloo Street, where he sees many people facing hardship.

He said groups such as Street Team SJ, Operation Feed and Forward House do important work but do not always have the funding they need.

The upcoming event will be the first time Lucas adds live music to the show.

He said local musician Darren Robertson was invited because he regularly performs at charity events and helps raise money for community groups.

Lucas said he hopes the fundraiser encourages more performers to support local causes.

“I just want to help people and make people laugh,” he said.

Lucas said the shows have raised about $5,500 since November 2023 through ticket sales, donations and venue contributions.

He added that some events have sold out, and in one case, an audience member matched the full amount raised from ticket sales.

Bad Words for Street Team SJ takes place on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Wasted Day Brewing on Water Street.

Tickets are available through Jump Comedy, and Lucas said five dollars from each ticket goes directly to Street Team SJ.