Raising funds for international medical equality is in fashion

Students from UQ's global health club are staging a fashion show to promote emerging Brisbane artists and raise money for medical education, research and practice projects.

The event, organised by Towards International Medical Equality (TIME), will be held at The Zoo on Wednesday, August 25, with doors opening at 7:30 pm.

As in previous years, it will be students working the runway. All garments will be from designers' own collections and will range from swimwear to formal evening wear. Featured designers include blanc + delta, Rhaman Donovan, Skye Kerr, Aimee Kahl and students from QUT's fashion students.

“One in four people live below the line of absolute poverty; it's really amazing to see how passionate our generation is about supporting global health. It's also great to be able to use this as an opportunity to showcase Brisbane's amazing talent,” event co-ordinator Arthur Cheung said.

Currently, TIME runs five major projects: Refugee Health, Indigenous Health, Environmental Health, Maternal Health and their flagship venture, Medical Aid Project (MAP).

“The group's mission is to empower and support students to make a sustainable difference in the realisation of health equality at home and abroad,” Mr Cheung said.

TIME has a number of long-standing relationships with hospitals and clinics in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Samoa as well as countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asian countries such as Nepal, who will benefit from the event.

Proceeds will go to the Maternal Health Project which funds training of community health workers and to MAP, which purchases essential medical equipment and supplies for struggling medical centres in more than 20 developing countries.

“Global health is a field of education, research and practice committed to the improvement in health for all people, with a focus on equality,” Mr Cheung said.

Headlining the show will be local band, The Chutes.

Also showcased will be the work of talented graphic artist, Joyce Ho.

The event involves about 50 students from various disciplines, including medicine, law, fashion, journalism, occupational therapy and business.

“Many students have the desire to help those who are in need,” Mr Cheung said.

“The benefit is two-fold: students gain an appreciation of world issues and solutions as well as being able to develop leadership skills.”

Tickets can be purchased for $12 online at OzTix.com.au or thezoo.com.au, or for $15 at the door.

Media: Arthur Cheung (president@timeuq.org) or Allison Rock at UQ Communications (Allison.rock@uqconnect.edu.au or 07 3365 2619)