Friends of Nias Clinic - Fundraising Drive

Dear all,

We hope this message finds you well.

A/Prof Raf Ghabrial founded Friends of Nias with a simple mission—to provide free, essential medical care to the people of Nias Island. This Indonesian-based charity operates solely on donations, with tax-deductible status through its partnership with World Relief Australia. 

This March 2025, during our fundraising drive, your generosity can make a real difference. With your support, we can keep the clinic running and continue providing essential healthcare to those in need. Our aim is to raise $50,000. Every donation, big or small, makes an impact.

About Friends of Nias

Raf Ghabrial, an ophthalmologist who dedicated his life to helping others, sadly passed away in July 2023. His love for surfing lured him to Nias Island, Indonesia, where he recognised the urgent need for accessible medical care. Driven by this vision, he established a not-for-profit clinic on Nias Island in 2017 to provide free medical services to the local community. 

Since Raf’s passing, the Ghabrial family and Popi Twigg have been joined by The Surfing Doctors—Dr Simon Nothling, Dr Dave Hateley, Dr Phil Chapman, and Craig Jarvis, who have enabled the clinic to continue its medical operations.

The Friends of Nias clinic has remained open for 6 days a week with a dedicated local team of 7, including nurses, midwives and a pharmacist. This month 2 local doctors will be joining the team. The clinic also relies on Western medical professionals who travel internationally to volunteer their time and expertise. Now, we are seeking your support to continue his work and honour his memory.

Why Your Support is Crucial

Since its inception, the Friends of Nias clinic has been a lifeline for thousands of individuals who otherwise would not have had access to essential medical services. In 2024 the clinic treated over 2,100 patients. Your contribution will help with -

• Continuing Care: Your donation will help us maintain and expand the free medical services that are crucial for the health and well-being of the Nias community.
• Addressing local health issues: Initiated by our current volunteer Dr Charlie McLean, the clinic is running two new health projects. The first program aims to eradicate H. pylori infection from the surrounding area. A second program is facilitating at-home blood glucose level testing for diabetic patients to better understand and manage their diabetes. Both these conditions are endemic to the island of Nias.
• Honouring a Legacy: By supporting the clinic now, you will honour the memory and vision of Raf Ghabrial, ensuring that his work and passion can continue to benefit future generations.

How You Can Help         

1.   Donate: Your tax-deductible donation, no matter the size, will make a profound difference.       Donate today and help us reach our goal: 

2.   Share: Please spread the word by sharing our campaign with friends, family, and on social      media (see links below).

Special Thanks

Throughout March, every tax-deductible donation received will be matched by the Ghabrial family.

For more information about the clinic or if you would like to volunteer, please visit our website: FriendsofNias.org. If you have any questions or require further information, please reach out to us at info@friendsofnias.org.

We thank you very much for your support.

Warm regards,
~The Friends of Nias Team
Barbara and Adele Ghabrial, Popi Twigg 
& the Surfing Doctors – Dr Simon Nothling, Dr Dave Hateley, Dr Phil Chapman, and Craig Jarvis
& the local team in Nias - Raffiel, Elvira, Febriy, Wita, Indah, Marlinto, Nelly

Please see photos below for the story of the Friends of Nias clinic.
Warning: some of the following images are graphic in nature.