A meal in Edmonton can help improve health care around the world.
The annual Rich Man, Poor Man Dinner isn't your typical fundraising dinner. Every table seats ten guests. One person at the table enjoys a prime rib dinner with all the fixings, while the other nine enjoy a vegetarian meal more representative of a dinner eaten by 90 per cent of the world's population.
While we may be used to our Alberta beef, in most places in the world meat is a luxury. As per tradition, all of the meals at Rich Man, Poor Man include delicious perogies. The main course is luck-of-the-draw; you may be served prime rib, or you may be one of the nine enjoying a more modest meal.
Hosted by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, the School of Public Health, the Students' Invested in Health Association (SIHA) and the Medical Students' Association (MSA) Global Health Program, Rich Man, Poor Man delivers an experience that better reflects the global community it aims to benefit.
The event raises funds for global health education opportunities and program development, both at the University of Alberta and internationally. The funds raised by FoMD are primarily dedicated to bringing faculty and learners from developing countries to Edmonton, where they can learn new ways to better serve their communities.
"We live in a global world," says Jill Konkin, associate dean of community engagement in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. "There is a social imperative to work with those who have less than we do, and often we get more out of it than they do."
Konkin says that when we are able to understand what other physicians are able to do with much fewer resources than we have, it can inspire trainees to do better or be more innovative.
The event fosters collaboration within our university as well as around the world. SIHA organizes and receives all proceeds from the silent auction to fund sustainable projects within Alberta and Tanzania.
"Partnering with the School of Public Health helps our students build relationships early on, and attending the event is a great way for students to interact with faculty members and leaders in a relaxed environment," says Konkin.
This year's Rich Man, Poor Man takes place on March 4 at 7 p.m. at St. Basil's Cultural Centre (10891-71 Avenue Edmonton). The guest speaker is Ruth Beltran, dean, Xavier University, Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine in the Philippines. Tickets are $100, and a tax receipt is issued from the University of Alberta for the eligible amount. In addition to the guest speaker and silent auction, there will be entertainment from student and local cultural groups.
For tickets or more information contact:
Cheryl Knowles
780-492-8928
GHFomd@ualberta.ca
2-115-ECHA 11405-87 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9
Fax: 780-248-1163