Two hundred people gathered at Polson Pier on Toronto’s waterfront on Thursday, May 10th to show their support African woman and children, and to raise funds for AMREF's work. The African Marketplace Gala, now in its 15th year, marked the Canadian launch of AMREF's global maternal and child health initiative that aims to train 15,000 midwives by 2015. And what a night it was!
With a sunset reminiscent of Africa, and sundowner cocktails in hand, guests mingled in a marketplace alive with African music, food and vendors selling their crafts.
Over a dinner donated by some of Toronto’s top caterers, supporters heard a welcome address from AMREF’s global campaign patron Graça Machel Mandela from South Africa, encouraging Canadians to help put an end to the suffering that needlessly accompanies pregnancy and birth on the African continent.
Dr. Karlee Silver from Grand Challenges Canada also declared her support of AMREF and urged Canadians to think of innovative solutions to help further the cause.
Esther Madudu, the AMREF-trained Ugandan midwife, moved everyone by inviting us to experience “a day in the life” of a midwife. For many communities where AMREF works, a trained midwife like Esther can mean the difference between life and death.
After fine performances by Jazz singer Denise Pelley and lively Zimbabwean music played by The Resolutionaries, the evening ended with a reminder that AMREF’s MAMATOTO campaign has only just begun. With an ambitious target to train 15,000 midwives by 2015, AMREF will need to raise $37MM worldwide.
If you could not make the event but still wish to contribute to our goal, please support AMREF’s Maternal and Child Health Campaign.
We would like to extend a big Asante Sana to all who attended, sponsored, and volunteered at MAMATOTO. It is only with your continued support that we are able to execute award-winning programs that will achieve better health for Africa.
Re-live the gala by browsing photos below.
