Students Come to the Aid of Pakistani Flood Victims

Students from the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) and the Muslim Students Association (MSA) have organized a fundraising drive, named, "Save Change to Make a Change," which will benefit Pakistani flood victims. The drive will take place at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Monday, September 20 thru Friday, September 24 and all proceeds will be sent to Oxfam International. Members of the Dental School community are encouraged to donate their spare change to benefit this worthy cause.

More than 20.5 million people have been affected by the flooding in northern Pakistan. The United Nations estimates the number of people suffering from the massive floods in Pakistan exceeds 13 million—more than the combined total of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. These people are in desperate need of aid, clean water, hygiene supplies, and food.

Ayesha Husain DMD 13, a member of both ASDA and MSA, organized the drive. "Although the Pakistani Flood seems to be just the latest in a series of natural disasters affecting the globe, it is by far one of the largest," said Husain. "Considering the scale of the disaster, it is deeply saddening that the global community has not moved forward to help like it did for the Tsunami and Haiti. As healthcare professionals we aim to alleviate suffering when and where we see it, and I am hoping that that same desire will fuel the GSDM family to donate."

Husain continued, "If every member of the School is able to participate in whatever small way they can, we could raise a sizable amount of money. Even 50 cents can make a difference! Collectively we can do right by these victims, and our spare change can make a real change."

Volunteers will be collecting donations each day in the Dental School lobby between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and a collection jar will also be placed on the security desk at the entrance to the School for private or after hours donations. People who donate during volunteer hours will be entered into a raffle for one of several restaurant gift certificates.