Medical students turn \u27Red\u27 in the fight against HIV/AIDS

The first cohort of medical students from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney Campus are hosting two major, ‘Red Party’, fundraising events for HIV/AIDS this semester. The first ‘Red Party’ was held last year by The University of Western Australia for Oxfam Australia’s AIDS Orphan Nutrition Program in South Africa. This year it has grown nation wide with a number of medical schools participating in the annual event. The ‘Party’ kicked off for Notre Dame this week with a blood drive, where students from the Schools of Medicine and Nursing were asked to give blood to raise awareness of the disease. Over the next month the students will host two ‘Red’ events to continue their efforts. The first is an afternoon of ‘Bare Foot Bowling’ at the Paddington Bowls Club on 7th September. The second is at the Notre Dame Darlinghurst Campus and will involve lectures from two guest speakers followed by a ‘Red Party’. The Medical Association of Notre Dame Sydney’s (MANDUS) Secretary, Anita Smith, said that as the first ever Sydney Notre Dame medical cohort the students are aiming to help as much as they can. “We know that as a small university and student body it will be difficult to raise as much money as some other Schools; however, we definitely want to try our best and make a valuable contribution to this worthy cause.” Dean of Medicine, Professor Julie Quinlivan commented, “These activities support the mission of the School & University. We are keen to be involved in this great work. For further information about this fun initiative please contact mandus2008@gmail.com Media contact: Moira Saunders 02 8204 440