Hymns for Haiti raise hundreds (From Swindon Advertiser)

Hymns for Haiti raise hundreds

2:30pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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HYMNS for earthquake-hit Haiti were sung in Swindon as hundreds of people donated generously towards the relief effort yesterday.

Music from Kentwood Choir, a blues band and Drummers for Prayers kept the crowds entertained outside The Parade for almost five hours.

The Bishop of Swindon, Lee Rayfield, led a special service in thinking of the three million people who in some way had been affected by the disaster, which measured a huge 7.0 on the Richter scale.

“It’s how we respond to disasters like Haiti and come together in our communities,” said Mr Rayfield.

“Churches do amazing things in times of tragedy.

“It’s nice to see people wanting to make a difference.”

Street pastor Jo Heaven, who helped organise the charity event, said: “Even though these are tough times in the recession and considering it’s just after Christmas, people are still willing to donate their hard earned money to Haiti.

“We must have collected hundreds of pounds.”

Haiti’s earthquake claimed the lives of 200,000 victims and an estimated 300,000 people were injured after the catastrophe in the Caribbean country on January 12.

Swindon Town footballer Lescinel Jean Francois had a number of family members caught up in the quake zone, including his 11-year-old sister.