Biomedical sciences major Teodora Taleski took time out of her busy student schedule to organize a charity fashion show on March 3 in honour of International Women’s Day.

The second-year undergraduate was lead organizer, as well as a model and singer, for an evening of modelling, singing, and eating at the St. Nicholas Macedonian Centre. She says most of the other models were also University of Windsor students.

The annual fashion show raises funds for the community each year. This year’s recipient is the WE-Spark Health Institute, which spans areas of research from fundamental to clinical, technology and innovation, and risk factors, prevention, and outcomes.

Taleski said she was inspired by everything the institute does for health research, especially cancer research.

“Being in biomedical sciences I’m interested in science and how to help, I also volunteer at the hospital,” she says.

“Also cancer research is a great idea because a lot of our friends and family members have unfortunately passed away and been affected by cancer.”

Lisa Porter, biomedical science professor and WE-Spark executive director, was the evening’s guest speaker.

“Research provides solutions for our toughest health problems, and that research simply can’t happen without funding,” says Dr. Porter.

“I’m so proud and grateful that Teodora, and the other students and organizers, would dedicate their talents to support local health research. It was truly an amazing event.”

The event raised $5,000 for WE-Spark. The contribution will go toward the Cheers to Hope campaign to fund health research projects. Find out more on the Cheers to Hope website.