After trips to Bolivia and Sierra Leone, the group Engineers Without Borders is working on raising funds for its next trip. The group is hosting a comedy charity event called “Comic Relief” to raise money for airfare to Sierra Leone and to help communities in the area technologically.

The event consists of 3 shows, 2 on Thursday and 1 on Friday, which will feature 3 local comedians known as the group “Will Joke 4 Food.”

A group of N.C. State students founded EWB in 1998. The organization’s slogan is “Building a better world, one community at a time,” and its goal is improving the lives of disadvantaged people through sustainable engineering projects.

Working closely with the organization LemonAid Fund, EWB will attempt to improve the village learning environment in Lower Allentown in Sierra Leone. Students will work to equip a school and community center there with solar-powered lighting and fans.

“The biggest challenge is fundraising,” Troy Gould, a senior in textile engineering and president of the organization, said. “Our members are passionate enough to keep trying, but it’s like pulling teeth. People just don’t realize what good a small chunk of money can do.”

Sunny Lin, organizer of Comic Relief, said she believes the shows, which will be held in Witherspoon Student Center, will help both fundraising for their trip and for the work being done in the country.

“[It’s] a chance for people to relax and laugh with friends while helping out a good cause.” Lin, a freshman in biomedical engineering, said.

Beyond raising money, Lin said EWB also hopes the event will raise campus awareness about its organization and possibly increase membership.

“EWB does not include only engineers; it is a club that welcomes all majors,” Lin said. “It allows people from different backgrounds to help with a common cause.”

Robert Horner, a senior in industrial engineering and leader of the solar-powered community center project in Sierra Leone, said he enjoys the work with other students at new places.

“[We are] working with a group of students who are passionate about using a small bit of knowledge and huge amount of effort to change the world.”

The cost of each show is $5. The EWB will sell tickets at the door the night of the event and offer online reservations in advance.