Special Events

Special Events is a relatively new initiative that VISA has taken on. As of last summer, VISA branched out to embrace issues on a global scale with the aim of making a difference and encouraging others to do the same.

Our first main event was called ‘Visions for Darfur,’ and was held in January 2009. It was a successful dinner/speaker event in which Deborah Bodkin, formerly with the UN, gave a moving speech on her experiences with some of the victims in the Darfur region. Their heart wrenching stories brought tears to many eyes and a deep inspiration to reach out to others in the world that may desperately need help. Towards the end of the night, the auction, slide show and personal testimonies that were shared, all contributed to making the night educative and a true eye opener. All proceeds went to the victims in collaboration with Oxfam.

The response generated from the event was truly encouraging and lead to the vision of getting more people on board so that together, we can be knowledgeable enough about our world to actually make a change. This year, therefore we are excited to learn a bit more about world famine and will have a great event coming up where we will have fun hands on experience and a chance to expand even further!

I look forward to seeing you, hearing your ideas and having you be a part of this great global network!

- Jesleen Budhiraja

Executive, Special Events and Fundraising