Media Release 1 Sep 2017 I Canberra Australia
Impoverished and remote communities in Nepal will benefit from the REACH for Nepal Foundation’s first ever fundraising gala dinner, which raised over $17,000 overnight (Thursday 31 August).
Founded in Canberra by Lachhu Thapa and Lou Nulley, the REACH for Nepal Foundation provides practical and financial assistance to rural communities in Nepal. They started the foundation in response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in April 2015, which killed over 8500 people, flattened villages and left thousands injured. To date, the foundation has raised over $60,000 and delivered projects including building libraries, classrooms, amenities blocks in school, provided scholarships, schoolbags and have number of projects in the pipeline for 2018.
Over 300 guests attended the gala dinner, including REACH for Nepal Foundation ambassador and Olympic Games gold medallist Kim Brennan.
Co-founder and director Lachhu Thapa said that funds raised from the event will go towards community projects in Western Nepal.
“The REACH for Nepal Foundation is on a mission to support communities less fortunate than our own. All funds raised from the gala dinner will enable us to work on even more projects in Nepal and help more communities become self-sustaining, build schools and libraries and support education outcomes,” he said.
“We’ve been blown away by the generosity of the Canberra community, including businesses such as Richard Rolfe, Barlens, Pushys Fyshwick, and Mont Adventure Equipment. Thanks to their support, we can make a real difference to the lives of children, families and communities in Nepal.”
The biggest donation on the night came from Rotary Club of Hall, with president Yvonne Robson donating a cheque of $5,000 to the foundation.
The gala dinner is expected to become REACH for Nepal Foundation’s main fundraiser in coming years.
Interviews with REACH for Nepal Foundation co-founders Lachhu Thapa and Lou Nulley are available on request. Email – info@reachfornepal.org