Together we care

Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu:

The natural catastrophe in the Indian Ocean recently wreaked havoc and South East Asian countries were left but shocked. One of the hard-hit countries, Sri Lanka, now has thousands of orphaned children who lost their family in the disaster and have little hopes for their future.

1905 Kantipath, Ani C Dolma, Shobha Rayamajhi (1905 Kantipath), Nirakar Yakthumba, Peter Kroutil and Cabinet Shrestha organised a fundraising event at 1905 Kantipath on January 29 to assist the downtrodden children of Sri Lanka, who are in dire need of support. The event indeed was a successful one with a good turn up, most of the expatriates making an appearance. Cabinet Shrestha, member of the organising committee shared, “The proceeds collected will be donated to uplift the lives of orphans of Sri Lanka through CARE Nepal. We want to ensure that deducting the cost of the food, that too in minimal amount, the remainder will be donated in full to the fund.”

Standard Chartered Nepal too donated Rs 50,000 to the fund. Sujit Mundul, chief executive, Standard Chartered Bank Nepal handed over Rs 50,000 to Balram Thapa, deputy country director, CARE Nepal. The fundraising event comprised performances by various artistes — Ani C Dolma, McTwisters, Willow, Irish Band, Abhaya and The Steam Injuns — including dance and song performances by the children of Rato Bangla School. Shrestha added, “It’s nice to see such a wonderful and decent turn up. People indeed want to come forward and support those who are in a terrible situation.”

The event was managed by Malta International. Prashant Tamrakar of Malta International shared, “We collected Rs 2,60,600 which was handed over to CARE Nepal which is supporting us in reaching the amount to the children of Sri Lanka.”

Overwhelmed by the presence of supporting souls, Grace A Asirwatham, Sri Lankan ambassador to Nepal, shared, “This is the time to stand up from the rubble and this is the time to emerge from the ashes. I would like to thank all those who have come forward to support the children of my country who need help and support at the moment.”