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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Fuego mixed international cuisine with international development on Monday night. The new restaurant's World AIDS Day fundraiser in support of Oxfam Canada collected more than $1,200 for the international development organization.

With help from Fuego staff, Vanessa Baron co-ordinated a World AIDS Day fundraiser in support of Oxfam Canada on Monday. The event raised more than $1,200 for the international development and human rights organization. - Daron Letts/NNSL photo

"Yes, we're a business, but we're a business with a social conscience," said co-ordinator Vanessa Baron.

Oxfam Canada has offices in Ethiopia, Sudan, Mozambique, Cuba and Nicaragua. In addition to initiating sustainable community-based development projects, Oxfam focuses on securing rights for women and promoting egalitarian education for girls and boys in the global south.

The event was inspired by journalist Stephanie Nolen's 2007 book, 28: Stories of AIDS in Africa, Baron said.

Owner Kaven Paradis did his part by donating 10 per cent of the evening's sales to the fundraiser. Servers, bar tenders and kitchen staff donated all their tips, as well.

"It felt good at the end of the day," said waiter Dustin Mercredi. "I fully support what Oxfam is doing."

A diverse lineup of musicians, organized by songwriter James Boraski, forfeited their performance fees to raise even more money.

"First and foremost it was the musicians who made the night," Baron said. "We sincerely appreciate them. They were the heart of the evening."

Musicians Sophie Leger, Steve Pretty, Jim Taylor, Jonathan Churcher, Ryan Silke, Natalie MacFadyen, Jessie Young, Lacey Taylor-Payne and Laura Power entertained at the event. Baron said she hopes to stage a new fundraiser at the restaurant every couple of months based on ideas from staff.

Server Caleigh MacArthur said she plans to help Baron organize a fundraiser to purchase school supplies for local students next fall.

"It's good to give back to the community," MacArthur said.