Organizer Nathan Lee-Wing was pleased to be able to give back to the Orbis community. “I first became interested in supporting Orbis when my friend, Andrew Samuel—now an ophthalmology resident at the University of Alberta—invited me to help organize a similar fundraiser last year,” says Lee-Wing. “Together with our Ophthalmology Interest Group, we held a successful event that not only raised funds but also increased awareness about Orbis’s mission. Over the past two years, I’ve attended Orbis events both online and at the Canadian Ophthalmology Society conference, which has given me a better understanding of Orbis’s initiatives and inspired me through the dedication of fellow medical students and residents. I wanted to continue with this work and thought a bake sale would be a fitting way to build on last year’s efforts while fostering continuity and hopefully establishing a tradition here.”
Orbis Future Vision Leaders Sell Sweet Treats to Support Orbis Canada
This year, our Orbis Future Vision Leaders (OFVL) from the University of Manitoba held a bake sale fundraiser to support the work of Orbis Canada. The event, which raised $450, allowed OFVL members to engage with their community about global eye health while raising much-needed funds.
Helping Someone See Not Only Improves Their Quality of Life...
Lee-Wing is a fourth year medical student who is passionate about helping others around the world. “I believe global healthcare represents some of the most fulfilling and unique aspects of medicine. I think as healthcare practitioners, we are often skilled at recognizing and addressing the needs of those close to us—people whose challenges we can see and understand firsthand. But I think the next evolutionary step in medicine is in expanding that empathy and care to people beyond our immediate surroundings. To bridge the distance and identify and treat the needs of those around the world and make their lives better. To me, this is what Orbis represents. Helping someone see not only improves their quality of life but also empowers them in countless ways.”
The bake sale, which was held as students were gearing up for finals, was an event Lee-Wing thought would help ease some end-of-term stress. It was supported by students and faculty, and the team was thrilled to sell out of baked goods within a few hours.
“It was awesome to see that a lot of people remembered the Flying Eye Hospital from last year’s sale,” says Lee-Wing. “It was cool knowing that our previous efforts left a lasting impact. We’re hoping this year’s event does the same.”
