McGill Students Raise Funds for Global Vision Care with Orbis Bake Sale

On February 9, 2026, the McGill Orbis Future Vision Leaders (OFVL) team hosted a bake sale at the McIntyre Medical Building in support of Orbis and its mission to eliminate avoidable blindness worldwide. The event brought together students, researchers, and faculty members from across disciplines, raising $245 to advance global eye health initiatives.

The bake sale was organized by second-year medical student Mathilde Gallant, with the support of fellow OFVL members Aissam Souidi and Akash Sasi. The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Dr. Misty Tanya and Dr. Dominique Goeffrion, and in collaboration with the McGill Ophthalmology Interest Group (MOIG).
 

Throughout the morning, students from a wide range of programs — including medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, and biomedical research — stopped by to enjoy homemade treats such as brownies, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, vanilla cookies, and coconut cake. Beyond the sweets, the table became a space for meaningful conversations about preventable blindness, global surgical training, and the life-changing impact of Orbis’ work.

Just as the lunchtime rush began, an unexpected fire alarm sent everyone outside. What could have ended the event quickly turned into a memorable moment - volunteers holding trays of baked goods, laughing together on the sidewalk while waiting for the all-clear. Once the alarm was cleared and everyone safely returned inside, the team picked up right where they left off. If anything, the interruption added a touch of spontaneity to the day and drew even more attention to the fundraiser.

Reflecting on the experience, Mathilde Gallant shared:

“What meant the most was seeing people stop not just to buy something, but to genuinely engage in conversations about global eye health. The curiosity and enthusiasm we witnessed were incredibly encouraging. We’re so thankful to everyone who supported the fundraiser — whether by purchasing a treat, sharing the event, or taking the time to learn more about Orbis’ mission.”

Events like this highlight how student-led initiatives can bring communities together in support of global eye health. Motivated by the success of this fundraiser, the McGill OFVL chapter looks forward to continuing its efforts to engage students and contribute to initiatives that support access to vision care worldwide.