Dentists Saleema Reeves (left) and Sarah Ting prepare for
their fundraising event for Pakistan flood victims. Photo
by Criag Baxter.
Two Dunedin dentists hope to help ease the pain for
Pakistan flood victims with a unique fundraising venture.
Saleema Reeves and Sarah Ting will open Dentistry on
Musselburgh on Saturday, September 18, and waive their usual
$100 to $200 fees in exchange for an equivalent donation to a
Pakistan flood appeal.
The pair said they hoped to raise up to $4000 towards the
appeal, which has been organised by Caritas New Zealand to
provide emergency relief and supply safe drinking water to
affected regions in Pakistan.
"As a health professional, I felt paralysed when the floods
happened. I felt there was not much I could do as a dentist
going over there, but raising money by utilising my skills as
a dentist to raise funds is a small thing I can do," Dr Ting
said this week.
"You think about the people in Pakistan, or in any tragedy,
and you want to give $20 or $50 or $100. But, I thought 'What
else can I do? How can I give even more?' I had thought of a
good old bake sale, but I think I'm a better dentist than I
am a baker."
Ms Reeves said she thought Dr Ting's idea "was just
fantastic".
"People often don't like paying dentists money and this is a
nice way for people who would like to donate something, but
get something for it as well, and still have a nice feeling.
"That, for me, is very cool."
The dentists would be offering services from dental checkups
and X-rays to teeth cleaning, she said.
"All the team here are really keen to do it and we want to
put as many people through as we can. It's purely a
fundraising effort and we won't be taking future appointments
on the day or anything like that. All the money will be going
to help the flood victims."
Dentistry on Musselburgh would donate all materials, X-ray
films and equipment, while staff had freely volunteered their
time, Ms Reeves said.
Caritas New Zealand donation envelopes would also be
available if anyone wanted to stop by and contribute.
The fundraising appeal will be held from 8.30am till 5pm on
Saturday, September 18, at Dentistry on Musselburgh, at 84
Musselburgh Rise.
Bookings are essential and can be made on (03) 455-0621.
nigel.benson@odt.co.nz
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