By Naomi Armstrong
Noche de Salsa invites us all to build connections with one another and engage in the idea of a healthier society for all.
While many engaged citizens support the local food movement for the positive impact it can have on the environment and our local economy, it is not often recognized that much of our food system in British Columbia depends on imported labour. In BC, approximately 4,000 migrant farmworkers are brought in annually, often from Mexico or Guatemala, to work on local farms. These farm workers contribute greatly to the health of Canadians by supporting our local economy and helping to increase access to locally grown produce for BC residents. Yet they are often socially and physically isolated, as they usually work long hours, speak limited English, live in rural areas with limited transportation options, and are away from their families and support networks for many months at a time.
The Umbrella Mobile Clinic is an innovative project that helps to bring health services and social support to migrant farmworkers in BC’s lower mainland. This not-for-profit mobile medical clinic, staffed largely by volunteers including physicians, nurses and a diverse group of community members, offers culturally sensitive, low-barrier health services in Spanish for migrant farmworkers. The clinic operates from a trailer renovated as a small medical office, and travels to regular locations in the lower Mainland to hold clinics at times and in locations that are convenient for migrant farmworkers. Informal conversation, social connection and snacks are an important feature of every clinic as well, to help build a sense of community and support for our patients and friends.
The fact that the mobile clinic exists is thanks to the ongoing efforts of an entire community. Volunteers commit their time and medical services to the clinic, and funding comes primarily through donations, grants and fundraising efforts from individuals and organizations who value not only the health of the farmworkers, but the social connectedness and sense of community that the clinic promotes as well.
This Saturday, November 22nd, the biggest mobile clinic fundraiser of the year is taking place. Noche de Salsa is a night of salsa dancing, socializing and community-building, with all proceeds going to the mobile clinic. While the event is of course about having a good time, at a deeper level it is about us coming together to build connections with one another, to learn more about health and social issues, and to demonstrate our commitment to health for all.
The event takes place at Astorino’s hall on Commercial drive, and will kick off with a free salsa lesson by Mas Movement – people of all genders and all levels of ability are invited to take part! Music for the whole night is being provided by DJ Tagle, and there will be a silent auction and drinks and snacks for purchase.
We invite you to find out more about the mobile clinic, get your dancing shoes on, and join us this Saturday! For more information and to purchase tickets online please check out the links below.
Umbrella Mobile Clinic website: http://umbrellacoop.ca/mobileclinic
Noche de Salsa event information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/825174420837429/
Noche de Salsa ticket sales and information: https://www.picatic.com/nochedesalsa
Naomi Armstrong, Fundraising Committee Volunteer and past project coordinator of the Umbrella Mobile Clinic.