ARVIAT - The people of Arviat weren't about to be left behind when it came to raising funds for Haiti relief this past month.

JoEllen Etuangat, Jane Autut and Paul Jr. Otuk, from left, perform during a talent show to raise funds for Haiti in Arviat in January. - photo courtesy of the Mikilaaq Centre

The community showed its concern for those in need in the earthquake-ravaged country by supporting a number of projects.

Hamlet economic development officer John Main helped organize the fundraising events.

He said Arviat was the same as every other Kivalliq community, in that there were a number of concerned people talking about what they could do to help the situation in Haiti.

"A few of us just got together and decided to host some fundraising activities we felt we could successfully arrange," said Main.

"So, it was kind of just an informal or impromptu approach that worked out pretty well."

The community hosted a penny sale and a talent show to support the Haiti fundraising efforts.

A special movie night was also held at the community hall, and the organizers collected donations from many people in Arviat who wanted to donate to the fund.

Main said a marathon radio show was also held in support of the cause, which was organized by students and staff at Nunavut Arctic College in Arviat and ran for about nine hours.

He said people would call and make pledges during the show.

"The talent show we put on as a fundraiser went over pretty well with the community.

"We had an excellent turnout, with more than 200 people attending, which was pretty good for what was, basically, a spur-of-the-moment thing.

"There's a lot of talent in town, so the performers put on a really good show.

"Some of them were a bit emotional - saying what they felt about the tragedy in Haiti - so it went a little beyond just being a fundraiser and provided an opportunity for the community to come together and show we care."

The Arviat events raised a total of $5,841 for the Red Cross's efforts in Haiti.

Main said the success of the fundraisers was the result of a total community effort.

"We had donations come in from a few businesses like Sakku Investments and the Kivalliq Business Development Centre, and that's always great to see.

"We couldn't have done this without the support of the people of Arviat, and we're grateful for every individual donation we received, no matter how big or how small."