by GERARD DEE

With all eyes focused on the effort to aid the tsunami-stricken countries of Southeast Asia, Donald Odige, founder of the non-profit organization Gospel Generation, is making sure that another disaster-plagued country isn't ignored. Last fall, when the tropical storm Jeanne slammed into Haiti, the resulting floods devastated the country and its people. Odige doesn't want anyone to forget.

"We know when it first happens, it's all over the media for a couple of months. Then it goes underground," explains Odige. "But the need is still there. We decided to do something on our side to continue to help over there."

Through Gospel Generation, an organization which Odige founded to help support gospel artists throughout Canada, he's organized a benefit concert for Haiti on Jan. 22, in conjunction with the Canadian Haitian Embassy. Although another fundraising effort has already been staged, Odige says that it didn't really go as planned.

"There was a fundraiser that was done in Montreal, and I think in Quebec they raised over half a million dollars. But there was a bit of a controversy - the money has still not been sent over there, it's still sitting in a bank [waiting for use in] long-term projects, when there are still urgent needs to be addressed.

"What we're trying to do is something credible enough that people can believe in it and know that the money will be sent directly where it's needed."

Odige says that the gospel concert, which will feature the New York Haitian Mass Choir as well as local acts, was a no-brainer in terms of a fundraising event because the music is automatically associated with relief, both spiritual and physical.

"We wanted to have a concert, and to have a symbolic group or artist that would represent what we're trying to achieve," says Odige. "Gospel is the essence of inspiration, in the sense that it touches people's souls. And it's a natural inclination to turn to a music that helps soothe you and makes you understand there's a better day ahead for you, and that you're not alone in this world."

Dickson Guillaume & the New York Haitian Mass Choir, Perpetual Praise Choir and les Jeunes d'Outremont at Salle Marie Gérin Lajoie (450 Ste-Catherine E.), Saturday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., $30

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