Three Stelly’s Secondary students are doing their part to help victims of the civil war in the Central African Republic by hosting a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders (DWB).
Rhys Sanders, Armand Birk and Connor Williamson decided to spearhead the fundraiser after learning about the conflict in the Central African Republic during a Model UN conference last year.
“That’s when we really began to see that the issues were a major problem. We decided then we wanted to do something to help, but as high school students there were only so many options,” explained Birk.
Williamson said they looked into organizations helping those affected by the civil war and decided on Doctors Without Borders.
“It’s by far one of the most trustworthy and hands-on aid groups working in the area and because we wanted to be able to do something tangible to make a difference, we chose Doctors Without Borders,” said Birk.
To that end, the three began planning a black-tie affair at Butchart Gardens to help raise funds for the cause.
The evening will feature a full dinner, a private tour of the gardens and guest speakers, including Dr. Peter Gary, a Holocaust survivor.
“Guests will be able to visit the gardens anytime throughout the day, but the gardens will be closed to the public after 6 p.m. and guests will be able to have private tours,” explained Williamson, adding doors open for the dinner and speaker portion of the event at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets ($125) for the event on Sunday, June 8 are available only in advance by calling 250-858-8805 or purchasing online at racfundraising.com. Donations to the cause can also be made online.