Whether it's time, money or just greater awareness, Marilyn McHarg encourages people to stand up for the well-being of others.

"It's important for people that are interested to just find the organization that makes sense to them," Ms. McHarg said.

Nearly three decades ago, the Ancaster resident got involved with Mdicins Sans Frontieres.

In the late 1980s, she helped establish the organization's Canadian chapter, also known as Doctors Without Borders or MSF Canada.

From 1991 to 2000, she travelled throughout Africa, visiting Uganda, Northern Sudan and Liberia. She has also worked in overseas offices in The Netherlands and Geneva, Switzerland.

Today, Ms. McHarg is the general director of MSF Canada.

Recently, she sat down with The Ancaster News to discuss her personal achievements and the overall goal of MSF Canada, to help people in crisis, solely on the basis of medical need.

In May, Ms. McHarg was presented an honorary doctorate of laws by her alma mater, Queen's University, for lifetime achievement.

Along with doctors working in the field, MSF Canada employs other medical professionals, logistics and administrative staff.

About 80 Canadian expatriates are currently working on international missions. Field contracts can range from a few months to a few years.

When a cyclone devastated Myanmar in May, MSF aid workers were already on the scene. Teams mobilized immediately in the capital region of Rangoon, buying goods locally and arranging cargo flights for additional supplies.

Workers are also assisting the refugee crisis in Darfur, Sudan and Somalia.

"We tend to work in places where there's war, violence and oppression," Ms. McHarg said.

Front line workers provide medical care, nutrition, water and sanitational care in war-torn areas and communities ravaged by HIV, AIDS and tuberculosis.

Despite their willingness to help, MSF workers have often faced opposition from government and rebel forces.

"There were a few situations that were quite insecure," Ms. McHarg said.

She cites political instability in Mogadishu, Somalia, that has led to rising bloodshed in recent years.

Earlier this year, three MSF aid workers were killed in Kismayo, Somalia, including a Kenyan doctor, a French logistician and a Somali driver.

Ms. McHarg said MSF won't get involved in foreign political disputes. The organization has no political affiliation. Its only goal is to help people in need.

"We're always trying to emphasize our neutrality," Ms. McHarg said.

Fundraising from private donors accounts for more than 80 per cent of MSF Canada's operating budget.

MSF has offices around the world, including North America, Europe and Asia.

"We're looking globally for the places we think people are most in need," Ms. McHarg said.

Today, Ms. McHarg spends most of her time working in Toronto, but occasionally returns to the field to visit front line aid workers.

"It keeps me connected," Ms. McHarg said. "I quite appreciate being home as well."

MSF was originally founded in France in 1971. Ms. McHarg was part of the local connection that helped create MSF Canada in the late 1980s under the leadership of Hamiltonian Richard Heinzl. The organization's Canadian headquarters opened in Toronto in 1991.

After earning a masters degree in applied sciences from McGill University, Ms. McHarg began working as a field nurse in Uganda.

She was attracted to MSF by its mandate to help people in need, regardless of nationality, religion or political affiliation.

In many cases, aid workers help people who are virtually forgotten by the western media.

"The western world tends to focus on a few crises at a time," Ms. McHarg said. "It's important to draw attention to places that aren't getting a lot of air time."

U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan has warned the Sudanese refugee crisis could rival the genocide in Rwanda more than a decade ago. More than 10,000 people have been killed and one million have been driven from their homes during the ongoing conflict in Sudan's western region.

Donors who give to MSF Canada can be assured their money will be put to good use.

MSF Canada spends more than 80 cents of every dollar it receives on social missions. Less than 20 per cent is spent on administration and fundraising.

To find out how you can contribute, visit www.msf.ca. You can also apply to work on MSF Canada field missions and view job postings online.