Farley Flex was in Edmonton Thursday night, but not for judging Canadian Idol hopefuls. Instead, he was raising money for impoverished children in Malawi.
Flex, an ambassador for UNICEF Canada, helped launch the first Unite for Children Gala at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald.
The evening featured a menu of East African-inspired dishes, an auction, and the chance for guests to buy items like school-in-a-box kits for Malawian children through the Gifts of Magic campaign. UNICEF Canada hoped to raise at least $150,000 through the event. Flex also shared his experiences in Malawi to inspire guests.
He told of one visit to a hospital where mothers welcomed them with joyous singing, despite the fact their babies might not survive the afternoon.
“The nature of (Malawian) culture is about being gracious and sharing joy,” said Flex.
Nigel Fisher, president and CEO of UNICEF Canada, said he hopes the gala marks “the beginning of a regeneration of UNICEF in Edmonton.”
