A gala dinner held last week by the UWindsor chapter of Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières raised more than $16,000 for the work of Doctors Without Borders, which provides medical assistance to victims of disasters.

“We surpassed previous contributions, making the University of Windsor chapter one of the strongest in terms of fundraising across Canada,” says biology student Jake Frank, the club’s director of communications. “For a fully student-led and -organized event, this is staggering sum.”

The “Win a Day with a Doctor” event offered students a chance to shadow several local health professionals, including physicians, specialists, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, and researchers.

Co-presidents Sara Ibrahim and Donika Yakoub says the gala was a natural fit for the club’s members.

“This event not only allows students to network with healthcare professionals and gain valuable shadowing experience, but also raises funds for an incredible organization,” says Ibrahim.

Yakoub notes that mounting the dinner took months of planning, hard work, and dedication: “Our team could not be more proud of the results.”

Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières will hold a session to provide more information about its humanitarian work, at 6 p.m. Feb. 6 in the SoCA Armouries. Get the details and register on the event website.