In the wake of the devastating earthquake, TORO helped raise funds for Haiti through the charitable organization Artists for Peace and Justice, matching reader donations during a 24-hour drive on Friday, January 22. Thank you to all those who gave their support.

In Artists for Peace and Justice's ongoing effort, a fundraising brunch-and-performance benefit was held at the Santa Monica home of Canadian filmmaker Paul Haggis with the goal of raising $1 million to support relief efforts. Here is TORO's exclusive photo gallery from the event. With a guest list that included Charlize Theron, Josh Brolin, Gerard Butler, James Franco, Penelope Cruz and more, the event raised $4.5 million!

We were first introduced to the work of Artists for Peace and Justice by Haggis, during an interview last year. After visiting the slums of the small Carribbean island nation and meeting Father Rick Frechette, Haggis was inspired to do more.

"It wasn't about charity, it was about feeding their souls and giving them guidance and whatever little money and the skills he had to help them make something of their lives," said Haggis of Frechette, who has worked as a doctor in Haiti's slums for more than 20 years. "He is one of the bravest men I ever met in my life."

The work of Father Frechette has never been more important. Money raised through Artists for Peace and Justice will help dig people out of collapsed hospitals and schools, buy emergency medicine, supply badly needed water and food, help fly doctors in to treat wounded children and so much more.

You too can make a difference ... even the smallest amount helps.

 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION:

 

100 per cent of all donations to Artists for Peace and Justice will be directed to relief efforts on the ground in Haiti.

 More info:
Artists for Peace and Justice
Latest news from Haiti
APJ on Twitter