Philanthropy
“He is rich who hath enough to be charitable; and it is hard to be so poor that a noble mind may not find a way to this piece of goodness” -Sir Thomas Browne, MD.
In these days of increasing political and social awareness, the role of the Philanthropist becomes increasingly difficult; there are charities for almost everything. It is with this in mind that I approach the role of Philanthropy officer in 2009. I feel that it is important for members and friends of the AMSS donating their time and/or money have an understanding of why they are donating to this particular charity, and how exactly their money will be spent.
These thoughts have lead me to select a few key events to be run this year:
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea (28th May)
The Cancer Council's annual fundraiser is well known, and great fun. This year, it would be great to get as many Med Students together as possible to sit down, have some morning tea and raise money that will go towards cancer research, education & awareness, as well as support services and advocacy for cancer patients.
Close the Gap BBQ (2nd April)
While most women in Australia can expect to live to an average age of 82 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women can expect to live to only 64.8 years. The situation is even worse for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men whose life expectancy is only 59.4 years.
Oxfam’s Close the Gap campaign calls on Australian governments to take action to achieve health equality for Indigenous Australians within 25 years through increasing annual Indigenous health funding by $460 million to enable equal access to health services, increasing Indigenous control and participation in the delivery of health services and addressing critical social issues such as housing, education and self-determination which contribute to the Indigenous health crisis.
The Close the Gap BBQ at the Medical school will be aimed at raising awareness and funds to assist Oxfam in this effort.
City to Bay Fun Run (20th September)
This 12km run traditionally attracts an enthusiastic group of participants from the Adelaide Medical School. This incorporates the “bed push”; a group of medical students running the entire 12km pushing a hospital guerney. Always an entertaining sight, and a lucrative philanthropic event. It has yet to be decided where the money raised for City to Bay will go.
Beyond Blue: the National Depression Initiative (Date TBA)
Depression is a major issue in modern society, and one that is close to many of our hearts. Every year, many young men and women are lost to suicide, and others suffer depression without knowing how or where to get help. This year, I'm keen to run an event (the nature of which I have not yet decided) to raise awareness and funds for this fantastic initiative, and contribute to their research and outreach programs.
It looks to be a very exciting year for philanthropy. Dig deep... we'll look forward to your donations, whether it be spare change, talent or time.
