RANKIN INLET - The people of Rankin Inlet answered the call for help from Haiti in a big way, raising more than $15,000 in donations for the earthquake-ravaged country.

Paul Pissuk displays his drum dancing talents as elder MaryAnn Taparti provides the vocals during a Haiti relief fundraising talent show in Rankin Inlet this past month. - photo courtesy of Tom Sammurtok

Volunteers stepped up to organize a penny sale and a talent show in the community to raise the funds.

Everyone from businesses, organizations, private individuals and kids came forward to help the cause.

Rankin's Louis Taparti said he was honoured when asked to be master of ceremonies for the talent show.

He said he was both happily surprised and very pleased the event went so well.

"I agreed, automatically, to be the MC, but I didn't think we'd have a quality sound system for the event," said Taparti.

"We owe a big thanks to Joey Hidalgo for providing the mixing board and other equipment.

"The backup band was phenomenal, so the show turned out better than I expected."

Taparti said he was a little worried about the 7 p.m. start time, which coincided with Saturday bingo and an Arctic Winter Games bantam hockey tryout camp.

He said the community hall was packed for the show, despite the bingo game and excellent hockey being played at the arena.

"I expected a very small crowd, at least to start, but we filled the house.

"But the generosity is understandable when you realize our parents and grandparents went through a lot of hardships when they lived on the land.

"During those times, you banded together to help each other survive and that's where our being humble and generous comes from.

"You see other people going through hardship and, because of our culture passed down from our ancestors, you have no choice but to help them."

Taparti said he was more surprised by how quickly the donations came in than by the total amount raised.

He said the people of Rankin are well-known for their generosity, but so much being collected in just a few days was very impressive.

"Because of the success of our Haiti Relief Concert, and the amount of phenomenal talent out there, we should do this more often.

"Chelsea Curley, a 10-year-old girl who helped out and decided to sing, has the voice of an angel.

"It would be a great way to showcase the talent we have in this community.

"As for this show and the fundraising efforts, we hope our little contribution will be felt in Haiti to help provide drinking water, safe shelter or just a blanket to sleep on."