Artful giving: pharmacy student goes above and beyond
Because pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals, many people choose that career because they love helping others.
Parinita Verma (Class of 2015 and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacist [CSHP] Senior Student Representative) is honing her compassion and reaching beyond her role as a future pharmacist, to include philanthropist.
She became involved in the Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador – a program that maximizes the abilities of children with disabilities – after hearing positive stories from children and parents participating in the program.
“The best part is being involved with the children,” she explains. “There was one sweet four-year-old girl, Claire, who has Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, and is currently on the assessment list for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. She has been involved in Easter Seals for about three years and attends their music therapy program, which brings her so much joy.”
Ms. Verma has been so affected by the organization that she decided to launch her own fundraiser via her business, Parinita’s Abstract Paintings, which won the 2012 Provincial Youth Venture’s Excellence in Artistic Design award.
“I decided to organize this event for Easter Seals this summer. I’ve donated pieces of my artwork to sell off in an online auction, and all proceeds go to Easter Seals.”
The online auction features over 35 of Ms. Verma’s original art, as well as two paintings by artists Angie Woodman and Radhika Verma (Ms. Verma’s sister).
“I’ve always been interested in creating artwork,” she says. “After spending six years with the Youth Ventures program with my Henna Body Art Creations business and upon the encouragement of those who appreciated my artwork, especially family and friends, I decided to challenge myself further with artistic design and started my second venture. I love painting because it allows me to connect with my creative side, relax my mind, as well as create artwork that really means a lot to individuals who request and purchase paintings.”
Ms. Verma hopes to continue with Easter Seals after she graduates, and hopes to make this year’s initiative an annual event.
View and bid on Ms. Verma’s artwork, in support of Easter Seals NL. Auction closes on August 8.