Victorian Students' Aid Program
The Victorian Students' Aid Program is a nonprofit organization established by students at the University of Melbourne in July 2005. VSAP delivers vital equipment and health resources with students who travel to disadvantaged communities, usually as part of the elective component of their degree as a gesture of thanks for hosting the student.
One of VSAP's features is the use of the Wishlist. The receiving hospital or clinic is asked to write a list of the most urgently needed equipment and supplies, and VSAP aims to obtain as many of these items as possible. This may be through contacting manufacturers or other companies and requesting donations or using monetary donations to purchase the items. Pharmaceuticals are generally purchased in the receiving community to support the local economy and avoid customs issues. The Wishlist ensures that the aid is targeted - that is, the donations are needed and appropriate.
VSAP's establishment was inspired by a similar organisation at the University of New South Wales - Medical Students' Aid Project (MSAP). MSAP has delivered over $200,000 (AUS) to Bolivia, Ghana and many other places; in VSAP's first year over $2000 worth of supplies were sent to East Timor, Guatemala, Tanzania and the Melbourne Asylum Seekers' Resource Centre.[1]
The organisation consists of a body of students who contact potential donors and help out at fundraising events as well as a committee that is responsible for co-ordinating VSAP activities. Elected positions include a Central Liaison Officer, Treasurers, Secretaries, Sponsorship & Fundraising Officers, Equipment & Transport Officers, an Equipment & Transport Treasurer, Publicity and Events Officers and an Education Officer. General membership to the committee is open to all students.