Today’s post is something I’m really excited about! When I started my business, one of my goals was to be able to use photography to support causes that I’m passionate about. Today, I get to do just that!
Let me introduce you to the AYA Project!
Last month I was given the opportunity to partner with a medical missions team from the AYA Project to help support their trip to the Ivory Coast in this July. The AYA Project is a non-profit organization based out of Oswego, NY that works to improve the health and education of rural communities in the Ivory Coast. They do this primarily though short-term medical missions trips and by partnering with local organizations in the Ivory Coast. During the July trip they will provide mobile medical clinics to treat parasitic infections, provide general care, and test for diseases such as HIV and malaria. They will also pass out medical supply kits for families in rural areas to take home with them. You can read more about their goals and past work by visiting their website!
On Sunday, May 7th, the AYA Project is holding a chicken barbecue fundraiser to help raise money for the medical supplies they’ll be bringing with them in July. They will also be holding a few raffles, which is where I come in! I was blessed to be able to donate a free session for the gift basket raffle! The winner will receive a 60 minute session, 15+ high-resolution images, a full print release, and a beautiful matted frame! 
Here are the details for the BBQ!
Chicken BBQ Fundaiser
Sunday May 7th
Noon – 6pm
Lighthouse Lanes
295 East Albany St.
Oswego NY 13126
$10.00 A Dinner
Dinner Includes 1/2 Chicken, Salt Potatoes, Baked Bean & and a Dinner Roll.
There will be live music and entertainment, a 50/50 cash raffle, and a gift basket raffle.
For more information, visit the event Facebook Page.
Why this matters to me…
Medical missions is something I have always been interested in. In 2011, I was given the opportunity to do a study abroad course on public health in Ghana (one of the nations that borders the Ivory Coast). I was there for a month learning about health care in a developing nation, visiting hospitals and clinics, and learning ways to prevent the spread of disease through things like education and access to medical care and interventions. However, as a student, I was not able to actually provide the care that was needed. I have always wanted to go back to Ghana as part of a medical team, and while I haven’t yet had that opportunity, I’m thrilled to support people who are doing similar things!
Here is a photo of our group in Accra, the capitol city of Ghana (photo courtesy of Sarah Ackerman). A couple of the local children wanted to join in!
