It’s been more than eight months since two major earthquakes hit Nepal.
The earthquakes devastated the country where more than 8,600 died, up to 300 suffered a spinal cord injury.
Regrettably, the Nepalese government has not distributed the US $4 billion donated in humanitarian aid. Many people continue to live under tarps and in tents during this very cold winter season. Electricity availability has now been reduced to just six hours a day.
In the face of such turmoil, I was impressed during my recent trip to find Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC).
The centre is a hive of activity, continuing to provide care and rehabilitation to these patients, as well as working closely with key donors to satisfy their reporting needs.
Most encouraging is the Nepal government’s drive to name SIRC as the leading organization to establish Nepal’s Rehabilitation Policy, as well as run multiple training sessions to educate medical and emergency response teams across Nepal on the complexities of spinal cord injuries.
I am hosting a fundraiser and information event for SIRC this weekend. The ticket includes a short presentation, a delicious Nepali snack, a silent auction, and a raffle prize.
Nepali dinner for six: Cash or cheque only. Sorry, no credit cards; 100 per cent of proceeds will be for the sole benefit of SIRC.
Another Chapter: Nepal Post-Earthquake, Jan. 30 at The Gallery, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., $15; Tickets at Phoenix.
