For the first time in 20 years, Hilary Crowley won't get to see first-hand how her partners in an Indian village are progressing with their treatment of people with disabilities.
Crowley is president of Samuha Overseas Development Association (SODA), a local charity supporting the Indian development organization Samuha.
After annual visits beginning in 1994 to the south Indian state of Karnataka to teach physiotherapy to local practitioners, Crowley is taking a self-imposed break.
"I made the decision last year to take a rest," said Crowley, who typically makes the trip with a group physiotherapy students.
In January, Phil Sheppard - based in Smithers - will take Crowley's place and supervise four students from the University of B.C.
Joining Sheppard as a teacher will be Andrea Mendoza, who first travelled to India with Crowley as a UBC student.
Both Sheppard and Mendoza will be at SODA's 18th annual fundraising Indian buffet dinner on Nov. 1. This year, the event - which is the charity's main fundraiser - will be held at the Hart Crown Banquet Hall instead of Dana Mandi's Fifth Avenue location.
The larger space allows the dinner to happen on one night instead of spread over three to accommodate the large turnout.
It also allows for more fun.
This year, the night will feature a silent auction and entertainment by CNC students - dancing, henna painting and turban wrapping.
Crowley and Mendoza will give presentations on their experiences working in India and the progress the Samuha continues to make, especially with their recently established spinal cord injury unit.
There will also be a sale of handmade items, scarves and jewelry that Crowley has brought back from India.
"People are so generous," said Crowley, noting SODA has been able to meet a commitment to send $20,000 annually to Samuha and hopes to continue that commitment for another three years. All the money raised goes towards assisting those with disabilities and related self-sustaining projects in the remote southern Indian villages.
Tickets to the dinner are by donation. To reserve a spot, email [email protected] or call Lesley at 250-964-7081. Those unable to attend the dinner but who would like to make a donation can do so by visiting www.samuha.ca.
