GUELPH – “Young people are the future of this world, and they are not to be underestimated.”
That’s according to Grade 12 student and Erin resident Adrina Daniels, one of “60 community minded Grade 12 students … working hard to support their local and global community.”
The students are part of the Upper Grand District School Board’s (UGDSB) Beyond Borders program, and they are in the midst of organizing a charity gala called Inspire.
The gala, on Jan. 20 at the River Run Centre in Guelph, will raise money for Guelph General Hospital, Doctors Without Borders and the Beyond Borders program.
The students’ fundraising goal is $150,000, and Daniels says “with the help of the community, we truly believe that this is an attainable goal.”
Recipients
Guelph General Hospital will receive 30 per cent of the funds raised, Doctors Without Borders will receive 30% and 40% will go back into the Beyond Borders program.
Guelph General Hospital relies heavily on donations, particularly for medical equipment, Daniels said – “I don’t think people realize how much.”
All patient care equipment at the hospital is paid for by community donors, including IV pumps, vital signs monitors, surgical equipment, diagnostic imaging machines, stretchers and beds.
For more information about how the Guelph General Hospital depends on community donations visit gghfoundation.ca.
The students chose Doctors Without Borders as the second recipient because they hope to make a global impact, Daniels said.
Doctors Without Borders is stationed in 75 countries around the world.
Studying global issues is an important part of the Beyond Borders program, and Daniels said the students are particularly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders supports Gazan hospitals including Al-Aqsa Hospital, Nasser Hospital and Al Awda Hospital.
Two Doctors Without Borders physicians, Dr. Mahmoud Abu Nujaila and Dr. Ahmad Al Sahar, were killed in an Israeli airstrike at Al Awda Hospital on Nov. 21.
For more information about Doctors Without Borders visit doctorswithoutborders.ca.
Beyond Borders
The funds raised for the Beyond Borders program will help “minimize student cost for future years,” Daniels said.
The program includes trips to New York City and Camp Tawingo in Muskoka.
It “challenges the confines of traditional classroom learning and encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and into a world of unique learning experiences,” Daniels said.
“It’s not like anything I’ve ever done in normal school. And no other schools do something of this scale so it really sets us apart.”
She added, “I’ve never felt this supported, or been so excited to come into class every day.
“We put our all into everything we do. I’m feeling really passionate about this gala.”
The program includes students from both the UGDSB and the Wellington Catholic District School Board.
Beyond Borders students plan a charity gala each year.
Last year, Beyond Borders students raised $121,000 for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Make Your Mark Foundation and the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, as well as the Beyond Borders program.
The gala
Gala performers include singer songwriters Lauren Roy from Elora, CJ Cooper, and two-time Canadian Music Award winner Andrew McPherson, both from Guelph.
There will also be “delicious food” served during the gala, courtesy of local businesses, Daniels said, as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 draw.
Tickets for the charity gala are available at riverrun.ca for $75 each.
Everyone is welcome to attend, including people without a connection to the students or school boards.
Daniels assures the gala will be an unforgettable evening “that will truly inspire.”
For more information about the program and gala follow Beyond Borders on Facebook at facebook.com/beyondborderseducation.
