Fort Macleod residents opened their hearts Saturday night to the children of a country devastated by an earthquake.

   More than 100 people turned out at the Alliance Church for the benefit concert to raise $2,322 for Haiti.

   “I still can’t believe what happened there,” said John Voort of Compassion Canada, the Christian aid organization that received the money raised Saturday night.

   An earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, leaving a million people homeless and 230,000 dead.

   The benefit concert was organized by the new Fort Macleod Evangelical Ministerial Association to provide some immediate help for people in Haiti.

   “That’s going to be a long-term project,” said Pastor Ralph Light of the Alliance Church.

   Voort, who told the audience Compassion Canada has been working on behalf of children in Haiti for 40 years, agreed.

   “It’s very crucial that we don‘t forget about them,” Voort said.

   One way to provide long-term support, Voort explained, is through sponsorship of a child through Compassion Canada.

   Voort said at least 80 per cent of sponsorship money goes directly to the child.

   “The impact on the entire family is incredible,” Voort said.

   Sponsorship can be done in one payment or monthly installments of $41.

   “Sponsorship truly is the best way to help for the long term,” Voort said.

   Voort said sponsorship of children in Haiti and other poor countries builds hope for the future.

   “You’re helping to show children there is hope for a life beyond poverty,” Voort said.

   The concert featured music by members of the Alliance, WOW Living Gospel, United and Anglican churches.

   The opening prayer was offered by Pastor Wade Koenen of the Heritage Reformed Church, and Rev. Eras Van Zyl of Trinity United Church led the closing prayer.