
The Project IMG UAG Chapter successfully hosted its first Donation Drive, uniting students, faculty, and local partners to collect essential goods for vulnerable communities in Guadalajara, showcasing the power of student leadership and collaboration in service.
Guadalajara, Jalisco – August 2025 — The Project IMG UAG Chapter has successfully completed its first Donation Drive, a landmark initiative that united students, local partners, and the global leadership of Project IMG in a coordinated effort to address urgent community needs. Over the course of three days, from August 15–17, the event transformed campus spaces into hubs of generosity, collecting a wide range of essential goods for vulnerable populations in Guadalajara.
From the outset, the drive was fueled by the vision and organizational efforts of the chapter’s leadership. President Caleb O. Ramirez Rivera led the initiative with a strategic approach that emphasized both community impact and the chapter’s long-term growth. The executive board worked in close coordination, taking on responsibilities that ranged from volunteer scheduling and donation point management to outreach campaigns designed to mobilize not only medical students, but also faculty, alumni, and external supporters.
This success was also made possible through the collaboration of Unity Board member organizations, whose active participation amplified outreach and volunteer efforts. These included the Pediatric Interest Group, Nephrology Interest Group, Family Medicine Interest Group, American Medical Women’s Association, Hematology & Oncology Student Interest Group, and the North American Student Association. Each group contributed by engaging their members and promoting the drive; Demonstrating the collective strength of student organizations working toward a common cause.
The initiative quickly gained momentum, drawing in students from multiple semesters who volunteered their time to help sort, pack, and prepare donations for delivery. The chapter’s efforts were amplified by strong communication strategies, including bilingual messaging, social media engagement, and in-person advocacy on campus. These efforts ensured that the drive reached a diverse donor base and highlighted the importance of student-led service in medical education.
As Director of Outreach, Richard A. Fradera González supported the effort by engaging with community NGOs and assisting in the logistics of donation distribution. His role ensured that each contribution, whether toiletries, first aid items, or hygiene supplies, was matched with a specific community need, allowing for direct and immediate benefit to recipients.
A major highlight of the event was the visit from global Project IMG leadership, including Dr.Onyekachi Emmanuel Anyagwa, Dr. Juan Carlos Ayala Alvarez, and Ms. Abhirami Babu. Their presence was both symbolic and practical, offering visible solidarity, hands-on support, and valuable guidance for future chapter initiatives. They participated in strategy sessions with the UAG board, discussed models for sustainable outreach, and engaged with students and volunteers during the drive.
The event also served as a living example of the chapter’s mission to unite medical students across borders in service to communities in need. By working directly with grassroots partners, the UAG chapter demonstrated how academic institutions can be catalysts for social good, blending medical training with real-world impact.
Looking to the Future
The Donation Drive marks the beginning of a new chapter for Project IMG UAG. Building on the energy, partnerships, and organizational lessons from this event, the chapter remains committed to expanding its reach and strengthening its role as a bridge between medical education and community service.
“This drive was proof of what can happen when motivated students, community leaders, and global partners come together for a shared cause,” President Caleb O. Ramirez Rivera said. “It’s a foundation we can build on to create even greater impact moving forward.”
In its scope, organization, and outcomes, the Donation Drive stands as both a milestone and a blueprint for future service endeavors; One that blends leadership, collaboration, and compassion into a sustainable model for community engagement.