NOOSAVILLE’S Sarah Aldridge has packed her bags to travel to Madagascar where she will volunteer her time and skills with medical charity Mercy Ships.
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, Africa Mercy, where Sarah will work for two months.
During its 10-month stay in the port of Tamatave, Madagascar, the volunteer crew will provide more than 2200 surgeries on board, treat more than 10,000 people at its dental clinic and provide training and education to local health care professionals.
Introduced to Mercy Ships by her mother, Sarah will serve as a dental assistant in the Mercy Ships land-based dental clinic.
She joins a growing number of Australians who volunteer with Mercy Ships each year and pay for their own expenses, including flights, board and keep, so that Mercy Ships can treat more people.
“My employers, Bay Audio Hearing Experts, have granted me three months leave in order to complete this voluntary assignment,” she said.
“They also made a donation which went towards my flight and my family have made donations towards my living expenses on the ship. I’m so thankful for their contributions and to be able to participate in this mission.”
Sarah said helping people who are in desperate need has always been important to her.
“I consider it an immense privilege to be part of a team that can reach directly into such a deserving community and make a real difference in the lives of those in need,” she said.
“There is extreme poverty here, along with the associated problem of poor nutrition, and a lack of educational and medical services. In spite of these difficulties, the people are wonderfully positive and grateful for any kindness shown to them.”
Sarah said another highlight of her time in Madagascar has been meeting and working alongside other volunteers from around the world, who she hopes will become life-long friends.
“The Africa Mercy has challenged me in every way possible but I have a feeling I’ll come back to Australia having learnt and experienced more than I can imagine,” she said.
Mercy Ships Australia is based in Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
