Rush has just announced via their newsletter that Alex Lifeson is launching a special Strings For Kids charity initiative featuring guitar strings played by Alex during Rush's Fifty Something tour. This special initiative was created by Alex to turn pieces of his own touring history into meaningful support for two causes close to his heart; The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. To launch the initiative, Alex is making a personal donation of $100,000, adding his own contribution to the funds raised through the project. They are offering up a set of Collector Strings for $600 along with a Framed Collector Edition for $3000. From the announcement:

Own a Piece of Rush History

Collector Strings

An authentic set of Alex's concert-used guitar strings, complete with the original packaging signed by Alex, an exclusive collector's bag featuring artwork from The Bag, and a commemorative card with a note from Alex.

Framed Collector Edition

A premium framed presentation featuring Alex's concert-used strings, an original setlist from the performance signed by Alex Lifeson, a live concert photograph, and a custom commemorative plaque.
Each set is a unique piece of Rush's Fifty Something Tour history, available in extremely limited quantities.

Making a Difference Together

Net proceeds from the collectible guitar strings and VIP upgrades will benefit SickKids and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, helping support their vital work caring for children and families facing serious illness.

As Alex puts it:

"I've played thousands of notes on these strings and will kick off this project with a personal donation of $100,000, which feels like a dollar per note! Together, we can make a profound difference for these kids and their families. All strings attached."