Cultural celebration aims to fundraise for AMGH Foundation’s MRI campaign
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
A fundraising event to support the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital’s (AMGH) Foundation’s MRI campaign will return, while introducing residents to a spring tradition marked in the Punjab region of India.
The local Sikh community will bring back its annual Vaisakhi celebration on April 19 at the Knights of Columbus Centre in Goderich.
The fundraising cultural event will feature Indian food, Bhangra dancers, henna art and turban tying demonstrations, as well as a short presentation informing participants about the significance of Vaisakhi and the MRI campaign.
“When we heard the Goderich hospital was raising funds for the MRI machine, we wanted to contribute to it,” said Gurpreet Singh, a member of the Huron Seva Foundation, the group organising the event.
"We thought this event was perfect; we could share our culture and donate to the campaign."
Funds will support the AMGH Foundation’s Magnetic Moments campaign, a two-year $6.5 million initiative to bring an MRI machine to serve the health care needs of residents in Huron County.
Currently, the nearest MRI machine is in Owen Sound, London or Stratford.
“We need an MRI machine in our area,” added Singh.
“We will all benefit from it.”
According to Singh, this is the second time the Huron Seva Foundation is organising Vaisakhi in Goderich.
Last year, the group held an event at Lakeshore United Church, and saw 170 people attend to enjoy delicious food, exciting dancing, and to learn about an unfamiliar tradition.
“The heart of Vaisakhi is about building connections and celebrating together,” added Pam Somers, community volunteer.
Somers has been instrumental in organising this year’s Vaisakhi event and ambassador on the Magnetic Moments campaign team.
Vaisakhi tickets for April 19 cost $10, with donation opportunities available. Tickets are available at Circle K in Goderich or online via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/vaisakhitickets
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