Beyond Borders program raises thousands for local and global charities

June 15, 2022

GUELPH, ON — This past weekend, students enrolled in the UGDSB’s Beyond Borders experiential learning program executed and hosted a 3-day charity event, where they raised $40,000 for the Guelph General Hospital, the David Suzuki Foundation, and Doctors Without Borders.

On Friday and Sunday, the group of students hosted semi-formal events at Strom’s Farm & Bakery, which featured multiple acts, such as local musical artists Tania Joy and Lauren Roy, as well as spoken word artists Audney-Cashae Stewart and Wali Shah. On the Saturday, a golf tournament took place at Hidden Lakes Golf Course.

“The entertainment team and myself had pretty well decided from the start that we wanted all of our acts to be local artists and performers,” said student entertainment manager, Emmett. “We exercised our personal connections to book some performers and reached out to some other performers who’ve done the event in the past.”

Julia Byczinski, CEO of the Guelph General Hospital Foundation, was also in attendance to share with the other attendees how their donations would help Guelph General Hospital.

“All proceeds [donated] will be going to new ultrasound machines. We are hoping to buy three this year.”

Byczinski shared with the audience that over 25,000 ultrasounds take place at the hospital every year, about 60 a day, and that those numbers have risen due to the extenuating circumstances of COVID-19. The additional ultrasound machines will provide the hospital with extra relief.

Throughout the weekend, attendees could also bid on silent auction items such as gift baskets from local businesses, art from local artists, and other experiences like horseback riding lessons or a week at a day camp for kids.

The students in the Beyond Borders program had taken up the task of planning this 3-day fundraiser over a six-week period.

“I have watched not only myself but my peers grow into a group of amazing young leaders. Within a matter of months, this program has given me an experience of a lifetime and 37 incredible friendships that I wouldn’t trade for the world,” said Olivia, chief editor of this year’s Beyond Border cohort.

If you’d like to learn more about the Beyond Borders program you can visit their website here: https://www.envisionbeyondborders.com/.