Ghurkas Restaurant. Image: Tamara McDonald
Melburnians are being asked to dig deep and get involved in initiatives to support Nepalese communities still feeling the effects of April’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Stu O’Brien is organising upcoming events with World Youth International that will continue to raise awareness and much-needed funds for victims of the earthquake.
“It is vitally important that the international community continue to support the Nepalese recovery effort, ” Mr O’Brien said.
A Nepalese Feast will take place August 8 at Gurkhas Nepalese Restaurant on Flinders Street. Guests will be served a two-course Nepalese meal and can participate in a raffle and silent auction to raise funds for victims.
Fundraising will continue into the month, with a trivia night August 29 at Chelsea Heights Community Centre, also organised by World Youth International.
Mr O’Brien, who is the cultural support coordinator for Life Without Barriers, is dedicated to continuing to remind the public of the Nepalese people’s plight.
“We have seen over the past few years how natural disasters’ recovery efforts have vanished from the public’s consciousness shortly after occurring, and their mismanagement has exacerbated the problems already existing in those countries,” Mr O’Brien said.
The earthquake’s effects continue to plague victims, and Mr O’Brien said he harbors concerns about “communities which rely on subsistence farming facing severe food shortages, children missing school and being at a greater risk of illness, and landslides and the monsoon season continuing to disrupt initial relief efforts.”
Post-disaster conditions also render poor communities even more vulnerable, with women and children facing “a growing risk of exploitation and trafficking”, he said.
Despite donors having good intentions, money intended to help disaster victims can get lost in the machinations of larger organisations.
“People who want to help out should research carefully which organisation they donate to, some good websites are Charity Navigator and Give Well, which assess international charities and non-governmental organisations,” Mr O’Brien said.
“While organisations appreciate that people want to donate goods, money is better. At the initial stage the efforts are focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and distributing medical care. Inundating developing countries with donated goods stifles the long-term economic growth of local businesses and national economies, which is crucial in the long term recovery of Nepal.”
Melburnians looking to support earthquake victims can also attend the Don’t Forget Nepal fair August 16 at the Trades Hall on Lygon Street, Carlton. The event will feature performances from Melbourne and Nepalese artists, Nepalese cuisine, auctions, and an air guitar competition.
Funds raised from the event will go to Alliance for Peace, Education and Development Nepal for earthquake victims.
Fabulous story , Tamara. It’s great to know that efforts are being made to keep up the support for are Nepalese friends! A big well done to the organisers!