The vast devastation of Haiti can be difficult to comprehend, but a group of Brooklyn residents in Park Slope are mobilizing to do their part to help the distressed region where the death toll is nearly 200,000 and hundreds of thousands more are homeless.
Members of the Kingsboro Temple Church in Park Slope, among one of the largest Haitian populations in New York City, are partnering with the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) to throw a benefit concert on February 6.
According to congregation member Carline Darcelin-Riley, one-third of the Kingsboro Temple Church’s congregation is of Haitian decent and many members knew relatives and friends who were personally affected by the earthquake’s aftermath.
“We were highly impacted by the events there and we had a number of people who lost loved ones. One of the things we wanted to do was to try to give back,” said Darcelin-Riley.
Among those performing include singer Jovita Sheppard, David Metayer and One Accord, spoken word artist Shanelle Gabriel and the Kingsboro Mass Choir.
“Today, with the same spirit of volunteerism and community activism, we have determined to raise funds for Haiti,” said Darcelin-Riley. “Together we can make a difference that counts.”
The Kingsboro Temple Church is located at 415 7th Street, between sixth and Seventh avenues, and the benefit concert will be held at February 6th at 6 pm. Donations are encouraged and all proceeds will be donated directly to the Adventist Development Relief Agency.
