Speech delivered by Dory Aban, President of Melbourne Nurses on Mission
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. As president of MNM, I am delighted to address you tonight. I’m very pleased that we are joined by colleagues and friends from different sectors across Melbourne, Sydney and Philippines. I am equally pleased to have met new faces who made their way to this beautiful hotel to support our charity dinner.
Are you enjoying so far? Everyone looks stunning!
I would like to seize the opportunity to thank those who supported MNM’s first charity ball that was held May last year. We were able to raise about 5000 AUD which was used in providing ree medical, surgical and dental services in the Island of Coron, Palawan, Philippines.
Last year, we delivered medical consultations to about 350 patients, both adults and children; dental extractions to 100
patients which were completed by 3 dental experts and some minor surgeries performed by top noted surgeons from St. Luke’s Medical Centre, Global City Philippines.
We distributed medicines and vitamins to the locals and some were donated to the rural hospital in Coron. Two boxes of clothings and goodies were sent to one of the least privileged islands in Palawan called Agutaya.
Furthermore, we also enjoyed the opportunity to do Feeding Program in a small community school in San Fernando, La Union. Believe me, the smiles of those children who benefitted from the program are just priceless.
Aside from all these, we visited Hope of Melbourne School of Arts and Trade in Umingan, Pangasinan, where several poor but deserving students are being sponsored by members of MNM. It’s heartwarming how the students express their gratitude and share their achievements with us. And it feels awesome to see these children finish their education and see in their eyes flickers of hope than they can fulfill their dreams.
This year, we are embarking on another medical mission trip, this time in Sagada, Mt. Province. Sagada is a small town up in the mountains. Its main source of income is farming. Access to free medical and dental services are very limited due to lack of resources and government support. So ladies and gentlemen, MNM wishes to thank you for together we will help these poor people ease their pain and give them hope to have a reasonable, healthy life. Our mutual efforts and financial sacrifice will fulfill our duty of cherishing human lives.
I would like to thank our faithful God for giving us this vision and mission to give hope to our kababayans through promotion of health, treatment of illnesses, education and others.
And to end this, on behalf of MNM, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to all our sponsors, donors and friends for your financial donations. Thank you all for joining us and supporting our beginnings.
