Organizers of Saturday’s concert, Give Love: A Free Christmas Concert to Benefit the Syrian Refugee Crisis, are satisfied.
The satisfaction comes not only with raising $3,300 (not counting online pledges) to help refugees in Syria and Iraq, but also about raising awareness for the cause during the concert at Langley’s Church in the Valley on Nov. 28.
“It went really well,” said Charles Aguilar, communications director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, B.C. and Yukon.
Aguilar organized the fundraising concert along with Bill Gerber, camp director with Mountain View Conference Centre.
“I think we have accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, and that is to give more exposure to the refugee crisis in Syria and Iraq.”
Roughly 600 people attended and enjoyed the music of a host of singers, groups and choirs.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) executive director James Astleford explained to the crow how they can help.
The Canadian government will match every eligible dollar donated to ADRA Canada towards the Syrian refugee cause.
Aguilar said a highlight for him a Grade 3 student who sang in one of the participating choirs.
“When he heard about the background of why they were singing, he said he sang louder,” he said.
PHOTO: Ryan McAllister was one of the performers. (Troy Landreville/Langley Advance)