Nepal flood disaster appeal launched by Harrogate charity which says country is ‘close to its heart’
A Harrogate charity with close ties to Nepal has already raised more than £10,000 for the country after the devastating floods which have cost so many lives.
Last week’s deadly flooding in Nepal on the border with Tibet has left more than 1,000 people dead so far with more 4,000 still listed as missing.
Harrogate Brigantes Rotary has launched a Nepal floods appeal after a plea for help from The Himalayan Gurkhas Rotary Club in Kathmandu.
The Brigantes have had a long association with the country through its Changing Young Lives in Nepal project, which it has run for many years with support from The Himalayan Gurkhas Rotary Club in Kathmandu.
"We have been shocked and saddened by the terrible scenes coming out of Nepal and our thoughts are with everyone who has lost their life, loved ones, home or livelihoods,” said Harrogate Brigantes President, Guy Wilson.
"Nepal is a country close to our hearts, with many Brigantes’ Rotarians, including myself, having visited the country as volunteers.
"One of our key contacts out there, Major Lil Gurung MBE, was once stationed with the Gurkhas just up the road in Catterick."
The fundraising in Harrogate has been co-organised by Brigantes member and photographer Charlotte Gale who has volunteered in the country and organised a fundraising dinner in 2015 at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate after Nepal was hit by a major earthquake.
Charlotte said: "The Himalayan Gurkhas have once again reached out to us for support and we are committed to doing everything in our power to assist them,
"The money raised in 2015 through the generosity of local residents and businesses, enabled us to send a substantial donation to the Himalayan Gurkhas Rotary Club, who travelled the length and breadth of Nepal to make sure every penny was spent where it was needed most.”
The appeal by Harrogate Brigantes Rotary has been boosted by a generous legacy left to Brigantes by a friend of the club.
This means every pound raised for their appeal, up to a total of £7,500, will be match-funded.
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/brigantes-rotary-nepal-flood-appeal
More information: https://www.rotaryharrogatebrigantes.org.uk/