ACTIVISM
Activism is an important part of Robert's life - musical or otherwise. As well as being a full-time musician, Robert does what he can to lend his voice - musical or otherwise - to issues of social justice and environmental protection.
In September 2025 Robert organised and performed in a fundraising concert for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), a group which focuses on improving the lives of wheelchair users, particularly those in less-resourced countries. This group has had their funding decimated under the Trump administration.
In May 2023 Robert organised and performed in a fundraising concert in support of Phare Ponleu Selpak - an amazing not-for-profit educational institution and circus located in Battambang, which he recently visited. Over 10k was raised for this group.
JOSE FIGUEORA
For many years Robert has been involved in solidarity work with the people of El Salvador, and other South American and Central American countries. The victims of the "forgotten war" in El Salvador in the 70's and 80's and it's aftermath is a particular focus for Robert.
He is happy to report that after a long battle his Canadian/Salvadoran friend Jose Figueroa has been granted his freedom (and has also been granted permanent residency) after being forced into sanctuary for over two years. Robert is still fighting for Jose to officially clear his name of any terrorism charges. Robert continues to work with Jose as an editor and advisor.
A song Robert wrote in support of Jose called "YOU ARE WELCOME HERE" is available to download. All proceeds from the download went to the "We are Jose" campaign - to raise funds to help pay for the legal defence of Jose - a Salvadoran refugee facing deportation from Canada for his non-violent opposition to the right-wing military dictatorship in EL Salvador in the 1980s. Jose was forced into sanctuary in a Langley, B.C. church in an effort to avoid deportation.
A video for the song - made by Jose himself can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CRlb3I9jRc
"It Could Be You"
In 2016, together with my Toronto band "The Fairest and Best", Robert released a single and video called "It Could Be You". All proceeds from the sale of the song went to the International Red Cross for their work with refugees worldwide. The song is a call for empathy for refugees - whose numbers are climbing daily.
You can find hear the fascinating story about how the song came about here and you can see the video here
