Ben Affleck's passion for Africa has taken him to the continent numerous times this year.

Not, as one might expect, to shoot a new blockbuster flick.

The Academy Award winner said he's been spending time there because he wants to help people.

The movie star's social conscious is also what lured him to Calgary last night.

Affleck hit the red carpet at the Commonwealth Hall and Conference Centre to host the inaugural Calgary benefit gala for the OneXOne Foundation.

"I've spent a lot of time working in Africa," Affleck said, "and actually met up with OneXOne a couple of months ago in Rwanda. They said 'Hey, we're doing this event in Calgary, would you come do this?'"

The actor said he's been to Cowtown before, but it was winter and "everybody was bundled up."

The movie-maker and father said it was the children of Africa that inspired him to throw his support behind Canada's OneXOne -- an organization that aims to help youth in Canada and around the world.

Affleck has a toddler-aged girl (Violet Anne) with wife Jennifer Garner.

He said being a doting dad impacts his drive to get involved with children's charities.

"Whether it's being a father, or just feeling connected to people, or having a sense of maturity, I've been spending a lot of time trying to learn about Africa and the developing world," he said.

The actor declined to comment on whether he would spend today, Father's Day, with his tot.

Affleck attended the gala with several other notable people, including Edmonton Oilers defenceman Sheldon Souray; former Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila; Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and Mayor Dave Bronconnier.

The gala was held to raise funds for various children's charities and recognize the OneXOne 2008 Difference Award recipients: Canadian hockey star Hayley Wickenheiser; Lillian Parenteau, CEO of Children and Youth Services Region 10 (Metis Settlements); the Calgary Flames, and five-year-old Jack Yeilding, who raised $14,000 for ailing children.

The recipients were honoured for their various contributions to children's organizations.

Affleck said he's throwing his support behind OneXOne because he's been impressed with its track record.

The group has raised more than $7 million for its ongoing programs.

Last year at their benefit function in Toronto, the group raised $3.2 million.

The group's founder, Joelle Adler, said she didn't expect to drum up that much this weekend, as it's the first time the event has been held here.