Northern Lights recipient – MD International Calgary

View all recipients

Location: Calgary, Alberta

For members of MD International (MDI) Calgary, healthcare is not a service that is confined to a hospital or a clinic. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the internationally-trained medical professionals that make up the ranks of MDI stepped up their efforts to make an impact where it was needed most – in the homes of their neighbours, both at home and abroad.

In a three-month period, MDI members raised more than $37,000, with proceeds going to create hygiene kits and food hampers for distribution to those in need. Through the initial campaign, hundreds of vulnerable Calgary families received assistance. Funding has also been provided to support Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar.

Committed to serving a diverse, multicultural community, MDI stepped up to help keep newcomers to Alberta and Canada informed, translating and sharing critical COVID-related updates in five languages on the organization’s Facebook page. MDI also went online to share tips for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle in the midst of a pandemic through its weekly webinars and virtual Health Hour and Active Living exercise and fitness classes.

Whether in Alberta or in the global community beyond our own borders, MDI is accepting the challenge of supporting those in need wherever that need may be.