Arviat (Jan 12/05) - The hamlet of Arviat has stepped up in a big way to support the Red Cross Tsunami Disaster Fund.

SU Nurse Marion Willms says the entire community is excited about the amount of money it raised to help those devastated by the tsunami disaster.

A large crowd turned out for a benefit concert in Arviat this past week to aid the Red Cross Tsunami Disaster Fund.

"I was in tears watching what's been happening in that part of the world on TV since the tsunami struck this past month," says Willms.

"I was totally new to the community of Arviat when this happened, but through some friends of mine, I met people like Joyce Suluk, who agreed to help co-ordinate the fundraiser with me."

The group's first step was to get donation jars set up at local businesses around the hamlet.

From there, the volunteers decided to hold a special bake sale during the games night on New Year's Day.

"In smaller communities that don't have banks to set up donation accounts, the donation jars are really your best option for people to be able to pitch in and help out.

"We managed to raise $475 at the bake sale from the sale of Rice Krispie squares, individual donations and the auctioning off of a cake."

Finally, the volunteers decided to organize a benefit concert this past Thursday, during which they held another bake sale, had penny tables set up and gave away a number of door prizes donated by local businesses.

Providing prize donations for the event were the Northern store, Eskimo Point Lumber Supply, Padlei Co-op, Inns North, Joe's Taxi, NorthwesTel and the hamlet of Arviat.

A total of 36 performers signed up for the concert, showcasing traditional Inuit music, country, gospel, drum dancing, throat singing and comedy.

Willms says the total amount raised at the concert for the Red Cross fund was $2,777.91.

Added to the group's previous efforts and money from the donations jars, the community of Arviat has raised $4,566.15 in aid of the disaster fund.

"It was wonderful to see so many volunteers get involved to assist with this fundraiser.

"Our community has been really touched by the tragedy that struck these people.

"Inuit have really taken it upon themselves to do everything they can to help these people, and that makes you feel really proud inside about your community."