Hands on India ball raises $20,000

The inaugural Hands on India Bollywood Ball, organised by Murdoch chiropractic students, has raised over $20,000 to fund a healthcare relief mission to help impoverished communities in India.

Each year final-year chiropractic students travel to Siliguri in north-east India to provide free chiropractic care, first aid and medical supplies to families that break riverstones for a living.

Chiropractic student John MacPhee said students fund their own airfare but the October ball was organized at Cottesloe Civic Centre to raise funds for equipment, medical supplies, an interpreter, transport costs and ongoing rehabilitation programs for the Siliguri community.

“Guests enjoyed a delicious Indian banquet complemented by entertainment including live Indian music, fire throwers and belly dancers,” Mr MacPhee said.

“The live auction, hosted by Channel 9’s Greg Pearce, was the highlight of the night bringing in over $20,000 for our cause.”

While the majority of proceeds will fund the implementation of temporary clinics any additional money raised will be used to fund ongoing community projects to improve local infrastructure and bring the people of Siliguri an improved quality of life.

Twenty-two students and eight qualified chiropractors will leave on December 5 to run four clinics daily in Siliguri for a period of 16 days.

To make a tax deductible donation to the cause, contact the Murdoch University Foundation on 9360 7281 or visit the Hands On India website.