Fundraising feasts raise £1,550 for Nepal earthquake support
Staff working at Epsom and St Helier hospitals who launched fundraising appeals for their loved ones affected by the devastating earthquakes in Nepal have raised more than £1,550 for the cause.
Staff from the cleaning services team – some of whom are originally from Nepal and still have family in the area – organised a Nepalese fundraising feast in the restaurant at St Helier following the first earthquake, and ended up setting up their stall as news of the second earthquake hit on 13 May.
In spite of the second disaster, the team were determined to carry on with their fundraising efforts, and with thanks to the Johnny Gurkha restaurant in Rosehill, dished up some delicious Nepalese food to hundreds of staff and visitors in the restaurant. Their event raised more than £900 for the cause.
Gita Gurung, a Cleaning Services Assistant who is originally from Kathmandu and still has family in the area, said: “We feel really bad that it has happened again. It is terrible news, and we hope that the people of Nepal get support.”
Surya Limbu added: “It’s the same as before – people are scared, and desperate to get hold of their family and friends. We are so pleased that so many people came to our stall and we raised so much money.”
The team have since presented the funds to the South London Nepalese (Gurkha) Association, with Chairman Nur Thapa thanking everyone involved for their efforts. He said: “This is such a generous gift and will make a big difference to the people suffering in Nepal. I would like to thank everyone for helping to make it a success, including St Helier Hospital for allowing the event to be hosted, and Johnny Ghurka for making all of the food,”
Anaesthetist Dr Franca Serafini, also supported the cause and raised £687 with cake sales for staff. She said: “One of my very good friends lives in Nepal, and I have visited the country a couple of times. I feel very passionately about it – the people of Nepal are in a dire situation, and I wanted to do something that could help them recover from this disaster. They need funds for healthcare and shelter, so every penny will help.
“We managed to raise £550 with just two cake sales, which I think is absolutely incredible. I would like to thank all of my colleagues for giving so generously to this cause.”
Franca is supporting Community Action Nepal. You can find out more at: www.canepal.org.uk.
You can find out more about the South London Nepalese (Gurkha) Association at www.slnga.com or call the Chairman Nur Thapa on 07411 132 957. You can also donate at www.dec.org.uk or www.redcross.org.uk.
