A bit about myself:
Hi, I’m Nivisha Panchal, an aspiring medical student with a love for dystopian novels, music, and singing. This year, I felt a strong desire to make a meaningful contribution and give back to those who dedicate their lives to serving us. The Royal Medical Benevolent Fund provided me with the perfect opportunity to do just that, and I’m grateful to be part of their mission.
Why I wanted to fundraise:
As I mentioned earlier, I felt a deep calling to actively contribute to and create change within my community. During my search for charities, the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF) caught my attention. Unlike the more well-known organisations, this one stood out—dedicated to supporting doctors, an often overlooked cause.
There’s a common misconception in society that doctors, by nature of their profession, are financially stable and well-supported. However, my research revealed a stark reality that was both surprising and unsettling: many doctors face significant challenges, both personal and professional, which are too often forgotten by the public. We seem to forget that beneath the white coats and stethoscopes, they are human, subject to the same vulnerabilities as anyone else.
The more I learned, the more compelled I felt to become involved. The pressures of their careers—the long hours, emotional toll, and sometimes even financial strain—are not just passing hurdles but can deeply affect their well-being. It’s easy to forget the immense sacrifices they make for the sake of others, and this charity resonated with me because it sought to address these forgotten struggles. I couldn’t ignore it.
Arranging an event:
I wanted to do something that wasn’t just fun for me and my friends, but something others could really enjoy too. That’s when the idea of a cake sale came to mind—an old classic, but still one of the best ways to bring people together. With the amazing support of our teachers, my friends and I baked over 150 cupcakes in our food tech rooms, each topped with buttercream icing and decorated with chocolate buttons.
The event turned out to be a huge success, and seeing how well it worked, I felt even more motivated to keep raising money. With summer around the corner, I decided to organise an ice cream sale. We bought ice creams and ice lollies in bulk and sold them to the students at school. This event was an even bigger hit, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come.
What I enjoyed:
What didn’t I enjoy? With the incredible support from my school and their experience in organising fundraisers, the entire process was smooth and effortless. The sense of teamwork I felt with my friends, whether we were baking or selling the cakes, was both heartwarming and exciting. Knowing that we were doing this for a meaningful cause and that our efforts could make a real difference made the experience even more fulfilling.
Message for future aspiring medical students looking to fundraise:
Honestly? Just go for it! It might seem daunting at first, but it’s really not as hard as it seems. Start by thinking of something that brings people together and helps spread awareness. I created posters and hung them around the school, gave a presentation to the entire student body, and spread the word through simple conversations. I was a bit nervous at first, unsure of how it would turn out, but it ended up being a great success!
Good luck!
Thank you Nivisha for all your efforts fundraising. The cakes look delicious and the funds you raised will help make a real impact in the lives of doctors and medical students – thank you.