When disaster strikes, people tend to pull together, which is an inspiration because all too often the film industry suggests that in the face of adversity and disaster mankind will quickly turn on one another in every-man-for-himself fashion. The earthquake in Haiti last month destroyed lives in a country that was already struggling financially to ensure their children were fed, clothed and educated. So when disaster struck, people’s hearts went out to Haiti and its people, and fund raising efforts kicked off all over the world.

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie co-wrote “We Are the World” together back in 1985 when Harry Belafonte decided to follow the UK’s Band-Aid benefit and its popular song, “Don’t They Know it’s Christmas.” Seeing how successful the project was, Belafonte wanted to raise money to relieve famine in Africa, thanks to fledgling charity, USA for Africa.

Gathering together some of the biggest musical artists and actors of the era, including Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Dan Akroyd, Bette Midler, Kenny Rogers and Cyndi Lauper, the song raked in just over $10 million in its first four months.

On February 1, 2010, more than 75 of today’s hottest artists gathered together to re-record “We Are the World” in an effort to raise money for Haiti. The song debuted on Friday, February 12, 2010, during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The lyrics of the song haven’t changed, and the melody is still the same, but hip-hop stars like L.L. Cool J have definitely brought “We Are the World” into the next century.

“We Are the World” is still one of the most touching songs I’ve ever heard, and hearing it again today gives me hope that as people we will continue to pull together when we need one another. Regardless of what you think of the Haitian government, the people of Haiti need everything we can give them right now. Our helping hands rebuilding their country, food, clean water, clothing and the comfort and relief of loving arms isn’t much to ask.

If you missed the “We Are the World 25″ debut during the Olympics, don’t worry. This song isn’t going anywhere for awhile. You can download it from iTunes to donate to the Haitian relief fund.