Local singer/songwriter Catherine Lewans and members of her band helped organize a Haitian relief event at Christ the King Church Hall on Sunday.

About a dozen performers took part in the “special stage jam session,” which started at  4 p.m. and ran into the evening.
The project was organized quickly, with only a few days for volunteers to prepare for the event.
The plan to stage a benefit event for Haiti was first suggested by Glenn Currell, the drummer in Catherine Lewans’ band.
“It started as a simple idea and just sort of got a life of its own,” said Currell. “Every single penny we raise is going to Haiti.”
The relaxed setting and talented line-up led to a wonderful evening of entertainment for a good cause.
Each performer took a turn on stage, with Lewans opening the show with several tunes.
The event also included a supper at 6 p.m., supplied and prepared by a group of volunteers.
In fact, everything at the event was donated and admission to the show was free, although visitors were asked to make a small donation.
Organizers did charge $5 a plate for the meal.
“I think a lot of people were looking for a way to contribute but didn’t know how to go about doing that,” said Lewans. “This was a good opportunity for them to help out.”

While one group of Shaunavon residents spearheaded a fundraiser to benefit the people of Haiti devastated by an earthquake, another small relief effort was being launched by a Climax resident.
Judith Brooke of Climax is helping organize a project aimed at sending important, and much needed, supplies to the tiny island nation.
The local campaign organized by Judith is part of a bigger effort originating from Lethbridge, Alta.
The plan is aimed at supplying Haiti with some of the most basic first-aid and household needs.
Organizers are hoping Canadians will donate a list of items that will be sent from Lethbridge to Haiti on Feb. 15th.
Among the basic items being collected are: blankets, sheets, bandages, medical tape, hand sanitizers, towels, face cloths, sanitary supplies, Tylenol, cough syrup, latex gloves, soap, polypore, crutches, canes and energy bars.
Some of these items can be clean quality used items.
But local residents looking to contribute items to the charitable effort must get them to Judith by Feb. 13th (the day she is leaving for Lethbridge).
People interested in donating items to the project are asked to drop whatever they can to Judith Brooke, or phone her at 293-2231.