This weekend MSF Canada (Doctors without Borders) had its 25th general assembly. I can hardly believe that it is already 25 years ago (Hilary and Mark were not born yet) that I assisted the group of Canadians to start up the Canadian branch of this medical relief movement.
The presentations on the work of the MSF Canada teams during the past year filled me with awe and pride to see how far this organization has come. I spent 7 years full time with this movement between 1988 and 1995 in the field (Mozambique), Canada and Holland (Operational Center Amsterdam).
The President of the International Council, a Canadian physician at this moment who recently addressed the UN Security Council about the bombings of MSF supported hospitals in Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen, was present. She was explained the story of the "office Elvis" who has been a bit of a story of MSF Canada from the start in 1991.
Two of the starters of MSF Canada, Jim Lane and Richard Heinzl, explained the story of "Elvis" to the MSF members attending this weekend. It was purchased as a farewell present to the first Canadian MSF field worker, but of course it "never left the building"....
The current MSF Canada Board members gave an update of their activities this past year, and six candidates for Board positions gave presentations for elections.
For the rest of the weekend debates about security topics and technical aspects were held and two festive evenings celebrated the incredible work these people do around the world.
I'm so happy that Elvis wasn't lost! By the way, wasn't official incorporation as a registered charity in 1992, meaning that next year is the 25th anniversary as a Canadian charity? I agree that this year is the 25th anniversary of MSF Canada being part of the MSF movement.
ReplyDeleteElvis has not left the building, Ben. I think it was 1991 that we were able to officially incorporate MSF Canada (my guess they drew that conclusion from early Board minutes). Too bad you could not be here. Hope all goes well in Vietnam
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