Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik speaks about the Masai Bracelet of Hope Campaign before presenting a cheque of $1 million to OHAfrica; October 4, 2008 at Gryphon Stadium, University of Guelph.
Guelph Masai Campaign Reaches Milestone
posted October 7, 2008, Charlotte Prong Parkhill; GuelphMercury.com
GUELPH — From $1 million to $150 million, no dream is too big for Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik, founder of the Masai for Africa campaign.“A bracelet on the wrist of every Canadian. It’s so simple, but will have a dramatic effect on the world,” she said.“Thank you for joining me in my craziness.”
About 300 people bundled up in red sweaters and coats and braved a chill at Alumni Stadium Saturday to see Zajdlik hand over a cheque for $1 million to OHAfrica for the Masai HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho. The celebration capped off a three-year fundraising campaign in Guelph and launched a nationwide initiative.
The baton has been passed to Oxford County, which has pledged to raise $1 million, and Waterloo Region, with a $2.5 million commitment.
Abid Virani is just 18 years old, but as the co-founder and chair of an organization called Student Reach, he’ll play a huge part in getting 33 million bracelets on wrists across the country. Virani’s non-profit organization is putting together “Masai in a Box” — a fundraising kit that will be sent to elementary schools in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.
Motseoa Senyane, the high commissioner of Lesotho in Canada, appeared calm and gracious despite being overcome with emotion. “People here in Guelph have listened to our story of Lesotho and decided to stand up and do something about it,” she said. “Suddenly the eyes of the world turned to us. And noticed this country is nearly extinct.”
Reach to Take Part in Social Entrepreneurship Conference
posted October 1, 2008
Student Reach is pleased to announce that we will be attending Change the World: the 2008 Annual Conference on Social Entrepreneurship, to be held in Waterloo, Ontario from November 14 - 16, 2008 at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Social entrepreneurship combines the passion of a social mission with the discipline, innovation and knowledge of traditional business fields. This year's conference will focus on socially innovative practices and learnings around our three key themes of health leadership, education, and international development.
- For more information, visit our upcoming events page or visit www.laurelcentre.ca for conference information & registration.
New Website Launched
posted September 18, 2008
Over the summer months, Student Reach has been redesigning the website. This new portal offers many features that provide more information. Navigate through the website to find images from Abid Virani and Brittany Martyn's trips, a Media Centre equipped with downloads, videos, and more, as well as new detailed information on how Student Reach works behind the scenes. We graciously thank Jonah Hu for his outstanding work.
Student Reach joins Masai Centre, Goal of $150 Million
posted September 14, 2008
The Masai Centre has ambitions of having a “Bracelet of Hope” on every Canadian, raising $150 million for AIDS relief in Africa! Student Reach is proud to announce that we are joining the Masai Centre’s campaign. We have developed the “Masai Centre In-A-Box”, a simple and easy way for students to jump on board with the initiative. The “Masai Centre In-A-Box” comes with bracelets, promotional materials including brochures, posters, etc., as well as fundraising ideas and suggested goals. Not only does the money raised facilitate the development of AIDS clinics across Africa, but it also supports hundreds who make the bracelets in Kenya. Click here for more information or to join the movement!
Student Reach @ National Me to We Day 2008
posted July 20, 2008
Student Reach members will volunteer at the 2nd annual 2008 Me to We Day, hosted by Free The Children on October 17, 2008 in Toronto. The day is about making a change in our world, and includes appearances by actress Mia Farrow and former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner.
- Find out more: Free the Children: Me to We Day
Virani, Langat Named to Top 40 Under 40
posted June 27, 2008
Abid Virani and Pinky Langat have been named to the Guelph Mercury's prestigious Top 40 Under 40 list. The two Board of Director members are cited for their extensive humanitarian and community-based initiatives.
- Guelph Mercury Top 40 Under 40 Profile: Pinky Langat
- Guelph Mercury Top 40 Under 40 Profile: Abid Virani
Heed Call to Action: Craig Kielburger in Guelph
posted May 17, 2008
Guelph-area students and parents may have raised enough money last night to build an elementary school somewhere in poverty stricken Kenya this summer.
Hundreds who came to hear Toronto-based child rights advocate Craig Kielburger speak last night at the River Run Centre chipped in money to contribute to the $10,000 cost of the school, which will be built by Kielburger's Free The Children organization.
"We've got to be close. We're right on that cusp," said Abid Virani, co-chair of Student Reach, an organization area high school students formed last year to raise money for a school.
- Read More [562 KB]
