They travel all over the world, volunteering their time to promote medical care, dental care and education to those most in need — and the idea started right here at the University of Lethbridge.

Dr. Benjamin Cavilla founded Flying Doctors of Canada only a year ago but the genesis of the idea was born while he was a student at the University of Lethbridge. Watching the devastation of a 1998 hurricane that pummeled Honduras and left an estimated 17,000 people dead, the scene had an impact on the young Cavilla.

"Entire villages were washed away. I remember being really moved by that," Cavilla told the Lethbridge Herald in a 2008 interview.

It prompted him to start thinking about his future life as a doctor and had him change his focus away from becoming a medical specialist to that of medical relief. Out of that blossomed the Flying Docs.

The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club will be holding its Fourth Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday at the Lethbridge Lodge and this year's theme, 'Hope Has Wings', is about supporting Cavilla's vision. All proceeds from the event will be directed toward the Flying Doctors of Canada.

Flying Doctors of Canada is an organization of doctors, nurses and general volunteers who provide health care and health education with a focus on primary prevention in developing countries. The program also allows local pre-professional students to gain first-hand medical experience in a developing country.

The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club hopes to provide the Flying Doctors of Canada with funding to promote and provide medical care, dental care and education to those who are most in need.

Everyone is invited to join the student organizers of Rotaract in their efforts to support the Flying Doctors of Canada.

Tickets for the Fourth Annual Dinner and Silent Auction are priced at $50 each or $350 for a table of eight. Students may purchase a ticket for $40. Contact rotaract@uleth.ca for tickets or additional information.

The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a brief program at 6 p.m.