The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Fraser Valley will be able to equip its new dental labs in style, thanks to the support of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser.

The club recently hosted its annual Swing Into Spring fundraising event, raising nearly $45,000. The majority of funds raised will be directed towards equipment and materials for health sciences facilities at the new UFV Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park (CEP).

This is the first instalment towards the club’s total pledge of $75,000, which will fund and name three dental operatories in UFV’s new Health Sciences quarters.

When UFV’s dental students move to the new campus at CEP this spring, they will have 5,600 square feet of dedicated lab and instruction space, including a 12-station operatory — thanks in part to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser (Wednesday club), Swing Into Spring event sponsors, and attendees.

The original plans for the space included 12 stations — which encompass a dental chair, counter and equipment — but budget constraints would only allow the university to purchase nine. With the pledge of support from Rotary, the three additional stations were put back on the purchase order, much to the pleasure of Dr. Diane Reed, interim Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

“We are so grateful to the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser for their generous pledge towards this important project,” commented Dr. Reed, who attended the event on UFV’s behalf. “These additional stations will allow us to see and treat additional needy patients in our community.”

Indeed, UFV’s dental program students currently see approximately 600 patients per year. The majority of these patients are local adults without health or dental plans. UFV students also conduct school clinics for Chilliwack students in Grades 4 to 6.

“The community outreach component was the reason we chose to support the dental operatories at UFV. This is in direct alignment with our values and priorities as a club and those of Rotary International,” remarked club president Nick Bastaja.

UFV dental instructor Rosie Friesen was delighted with the generous pledge from the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser.  “This will facilitate patient-care services to our ever-increasing dental clients in the community. We value the club’s willingness to partner with UFV and the community in our common goal.”

The event itself, which featured a dance competition between the local Rotary and Rotaract clubs, and music and entertainment by band favourite, Dr. Strangelove, took place at Evergreen Hall with more than 275 people in attendance.

If you missed ‘Swing into Spring’ check out the dancing on YouTube.

This article is featured in the Spring 2012 issue of UFV Skookum magazine.