Fundraiser will help provide medical supplies and education in Ghana, Zambia
Fourth-year nursing students from UBC’s Okanagan campus are travelling to Ghana and Zambia for a practicum in January. While there, they will deliver medical supplies, education and will work in various health clinics. In order to provide these tools and services to communities abroad, they are hosting an International Gala with the support of the campus club Global Nursing Citizens (GNC). The gala takes place Saturday November 26th, 2011 and they hope to raise more than $20,000.
Alanna Barbour, Jasbir Padda and Janna Wierenga are the main organizers of this year’s event. Wierenga, who is also the chair of Global Nursing Citizens, is committed to helping make the trip possible.
“After travelling to Kenya in 2008, Africa has had a dear place in my heart,” says Wierenga. “We have an incredible team of organizers this year, and we have so much support from our classmates and faculty. Kelowna citizens are very generous and globally-minded so we are confident that they will make this event a success,” she says.
Students who are accepted to take part in this practical experience will spend seven weeks in various communities learning about culture, different health practices, and teaching other nurses about life-saving exercises such as infant resuscitation. Students are required to pay their own expenses, so all of the funds raised will go directly to the communities who welcome them.
This fun-filled gala includes a three-course meal, live entertainment, dance, and a silent auction. The gala takes place at Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, in the Apple Room and starts at 7 p.m. Proceeds from this event are used for medical supplies and the support of community projects and health initiatives in the communities that the students will visit. Tickets are $40 each or $300 for a table of 8.
For tickets or further information about the event, please contact the organizers at internationalgala2011@gmail.com or call Alanna at 250-808-0997.
— 30 —
