Nursing students present rural African nurses with an examining table and health care equipment purchased with funds raised at the 2011 Global Gala.
Money raised helps nursing students bring health care supplies to Africa
Bring your eclectic tastes and cultural curiosity to the 5th annual Global Gala, which helps fourth-year nursing students in their efforts to bring health care supplies to Ghana and Zambia, Africa.
The gala will be held at the Laurel Packing House on November 17 at 6 p.m. The evening will include a three-course ethnic meal, silent auction, live band, cash bar, dancing, and illustrative presentations. All members of the community are invited, especially those with an interest in global health.
“This event is going to be a fun blend of local and ethnic flavours, creating a lively and engaging night for the community,” says Robyn Kosugi, Gala Chair and fourth-year nursing student. “Personally, I’m really excited for the local and interactive funk jazz band Sista B and the Boys.”
Alanna Barbour, who graduated from the nursing program at UBC’s Okanagan campus in 2012, says last year’s gala was an inspiring event that truly made a difference in the lives of Ghanaians and Zambians.
“During my trip to Ghana last year, I saw the positive impact the funds raised at the gala had on the lives of the African patients and health care colleagues I worked with,” says Barbour. “Nursing students pay out of their own pockets to take part in the trip, so the majority of funds raised at the gala go directly toward bringing health care supplies.”
Last year’s Global Gala raised approximately $12,000. This year, students aim to raise $15,000. The silent auction will feature items donated by a variety of local businesses, and food will include a blend of ethnic and Okanagan ingredients to represent unity between communities. As well, graduate nursing students will share their experiences from past trips.
UBC nursing professor Muriel Kranabetter, who travels to Ghana annually with the fourth-year nursing students, says students who go to Africa face the reality of trying to provide health care with limited resources, and because of this they begin to address the health inequities between Canada and Africa.
“The funds raised at the gala can be used to help feed starving children, teach nurses how to do care, and fill some of the supply gaps,” says Kranabetter.
Tickets to the Global Gala are now available and can be purchased by contacting Robyn Kosugi at globalgala.ubco@gmail.com or 250-826-3418. The cost is $45 each and $350 for a table of eight. Tickets will also be sold at Orchard Park Shopping Centre, Friday, October 26, from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information visit the Global Gala 2012 Facebook page.
