– by Liz Savage –
One day a few years ago, two women discovered they both had the same dream. Mitra Hashemi and Heather Burkett’s dream was to provide a place where children and adolescents from lower income families could access oral care. They decided to form a not-for-profit organization that would help them realize this dream. It was called ORCCA (Oral Care for Children and Adolescents.)
Last month these two passionate and determined ladies, along with the other members of the ORCCA board, realized this dream. The opening of the ORRCA Dental Clinic Society in the annex of Sidney elementary school was a celebration extraordinaire. It seemed that everyone from the peninsula community was involved in the success of this event … from Marie Cooper’s opening prayer, Kenny Podmore’s cry, the Sidney school choir, the Murray Pettinger Band, Marigold Nurseries, Starbucks and Thrifty Foods, to local children providing artwork. They all volunteered their time or donated something!
Tours of the clinic were skillfully handled by Sidney Elementary, North Saanich Middle School students and Telus Ambassadors. The event was well attended by several local dignitaries, Sannich School Board representatives, teachers, administrators, local families, members of the dental association, the Camosun College dental school students and staff, sponsors, donors and interested members of the community. They all came out to celebrate the opening of the new not-for-profit dental clinic.
The old annex was transformed into a welcoming place for families where one could see the two dental chairs and equipment which had already been used for patients. On the walls were children’s art works, highlighted by a pink tooth fairy quilt made by Karen Hilder (an ever generous Telus ambassador). In the waiting area of the clinic was the blue, 8 ft long Donor’s Wall with the ORCCA logo in the centre. It provided everyone with a glimpse of the many generous supporters of ORCCA over the years.
The second part of the celebration took place in the Sidney school gym. Balloons, flowers and more children’s artwork was on display as guests helped themselves to cake and a beverage. As sponsors, donors and guests gathered in front of the stage Heather reiterated the fact that everyone deserved access to oral care. She told the story of children and adolescents whose behavior problems at school were defined by their poor oral health. She told of dentists whose young patients needed to have their teeth pulled out because they could not afford to have crowns or fillings.
Heather and Mitra presented Certificates of Appreciation as Keray Wing, former administrator of North Sannich School, introduced the many recipients. The event concluded with Heather thanking every single person that had been involved with ORCCA over the years, making the clinic grand opening a reality. As the crowd applauded, the two determined, compassionate woman hugged each other. Luckily, someone had the forethought to have a box of Kleenex placed discreetly in the lower shelf of the podium.
