January 12, 2005 - 4:00pm
There’s still time to register for a tsunami relief fundraising reception and concert at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo next Wednesday, January 19 to help victims affected by the earthquake and tsunamis that devastated the coastal regions of Southeast Asia.
Malaspina is teaming up with Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society to organize the fundraiser, and all proceeds will be forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross.
Wednesday’s reception begins at 6 pm in Malaspina’s Centre for International Education (Building 255), 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo and includes light fingerfood with a distinct Asian flavour, donated by local restaurants. The reception will include cultural performances, short speeches, a silent auction of First Nations art, a 50/50 draw and educational displays created by Malaspina students to show before and after scenes of the countries hardest hit by the disaster.
"We have students attending Malaspina from Indonesia, Thailand and India - three of the countries affected," said Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, Malaspina’s Dean of International Education, and one of the main organizers of the fundraising event. "It puts a human face on the tragedy which has killed more than 150,000 people and left millions homeless.
"The fundraising reception and concert is a chance for the community to come together to support our international community both in Nanaimo and overseas. A tragedy such as this compels us to help."
Malaspina nursing students will lead a candlelight procession from the reception in the International Centre to the Malaspina Theatre for the concert at 7:30 pm, which features some of the top jazz performers in western Canada, including Phil Dwyer (saxophones) and Ken Lister (base), Pat Coleman (guitar), as well as the Nanaimo Musicians Association Big Band.
"The response from Malaspina students, staff and faculty, and from people throughout the community who have offered to help with this event has been truly overwhelming," added Jenkins-Deas. "We’re really hoping for good attendance."
If you would like to attend Malaspina’s tsunami relief fundraising reception and benefit concert, reservations are required. Please call 740-6103, or send an email to benefit@viu.ca. A minimum donation of $25 per person is requested and can be paid by credit card; tax receipts will be issued later this month. Attendance is limited to 300 people.
In-person cash or cheque donations for the event will be accepted at Malaspina’s downtown Foundation office, #114-59 Wharf Street, Harbour Front Plaza, or at the office of Malaspina’s Vice-President, Administration (VPA), Building 300, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo.
Donors will be issued badges for entry to the January 19 event and can be picked up at the VPA office, or at the event itself.
For further information, please visit Malaspina’s website at www.viu.ca/benefit, phone 740-6103, or email: benefit@viu.ca
Tags: In the Community
