Whitchurch-Stouffville joins hands with Igoma
On Friday, Oct. 20, Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce invite everyone to attend the second annual Gala Fundraising Dinner and Auction for the Stouffville Igoma Partnership (SIP).
The partnership was established in 2003 to raise funds for the town of Igoma in Tanzania, where lack of access to health care, education and clean water has resulted in grinding poverty and high sickness and mortality rates. Proceeds from the gala will be used for clinic operating costs, medication, water filtration systems, malaria nets, vocational training, medical training, primary school assistance, secondary school tuition aid and clinic expansion.
The Urafiki Health Centre, which was built with the help of volunteers from Whitchurch-Stouffville churches, provides health care for the 42,000 residents of Igoma. Basic medical equipment, patient beds, waiting room chairs and a new building for medical staff are among the items which have already been purchased through SIP.
More funds are urgently needed to continue this vital work and the gala is the biggest fundraiser of the year. The evening includes dinner and an auction with a host of fantastic items on the block, including a deluxe barbecue valued at $1,500 and a pair of gold Maple Leaf tickets worth $185 each. SIP welcomes donations of auction items and donors are invited to call 905-640-3911 ext. 42 to contribute.
Tickets for the event, which takes place at EastRidge Evangelical Missionary Church on 10th Line, are $50 each, and can be purchased by calling 905-642-4227. For more information on SIP visit www.sipartnership.org.
By Kate Gilderdale
Stouffville Free Press
