26 UOC staff and students enjoying the campus breakfast fundraiser for the Heart Foundation of New Zealand.
The University of Otago, Christchurch campus’s reputation as a “centre of excellence” for heart research made it a fitting venue to host a fundraising breakfast in support of Heart Health Month recently.
Organised by UOC’s proactive Events Committee, 26 staff and students gathered on Valentine’s Day morning (doubling the “heart” theme relevance) in the campus’ popular Central Park café in support of the Heart Foundation of New Zealand.
Professor Chris Charles and Dr Nicola Scott from the Christchurch Heart Institute (which sits within the campus’ Department of Medicine) warmed up the crowd with a talk outlining some of the exciting research work underway at the CHI to benefit cardiac health outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Spot prizes were awarded, including a “Best Dressed in Red “competition – with a three-way tie for the winners, Liz Ridder (CHI Admin), Wayne Keenan (IT Technician) and Anna Pibulsilp (Reference Librarian). A competition to guess the number of heart-shaped lollies in a jar was won by both Chris Charles (92) and medical student Max Walker (88). They were both close – there were 90 all up!
A free Heart Foundation booklet titled Cheap Eats proved a popular giveaway– providing inspiration for heart-healthy eating. Spare copies have been distributed to the student common room to assist students on a budget.
A total of $320 was raised for The Heart Foundation.
Winners of the "Best Dressed in Red" competition L-R: Liz Ridder (CHI Admin), Wayne Keenan (IT Technician), Anna Pibulsilp (Reference Librarian).
The event followed an equally popular UOC Events Committee breakfast event late last October which raised $500 for the Sweet Louise advanced breast cancer charity.
The Committee is now planning a shared lunch for Eid on Wednesday, 2 April; followed by an Easter celebration event on Tuesday, 15 April (more details to come).
Thanks to Events Committee Co-Chairs Amanda and Fran Barrett and their many helpers for their efforts organising the event and to the Central Park café team for their wonderful kai.