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How Folkestone can help
Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, different parts of Folkestone's community have come together to support the relief effort for those affected by the disaster.
Speaking at a vigil held at the Cheriton Road Recreation Ground, Chairman of the Folkestone Nepalese Community, Mr Dipakkumar Kaucha said: "The damage that continues from this terrible earthquake is an enormous damage. It is beyond the imagination of anyone and this has been the darkest day for my country Nepal.
"It’s time for us to come together, come together as one and fight this disaster."
Following the service, it was decided that the local community would raise finance and co-ordinate donated goods, through Folkestone's Independent Insurance Services, which will be passed over to the Red Cross' Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal.
Ray Johnson, director of the company said that they would also accept goods.
The following items have been requested:
Sleeping bags
Tents
Blankets
Children’s clothes
Emergency medical kits
Torches
Warm kits
Cooking pots
Long-lasting food
The United Nations have estimated that after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, 8 million people have been affected in Nepal, more than a quarter of the population.
The death toll currently stands at over 4,000, but Nepal's Prime Minister has said that the figure could reach 10,000.
Ray, also spokesman for the Folkestone Rotary Club, said the club's international committee authorised the dispatch of a vital ShelterBox, which includes a tent, water purification kit, blankets, tools and other essential supplies: “The club already holds these in reserve to enable the immediate release to sites in the world which requires urgent humanitarian aid. We know the box will be of immediate assistance during this terrible period of trying to help those in need.”
The Folkestone Coastal 10K has made a £1,000 donation to the local fund to support the Nepalese community. Ray is also the race director: “The Folkestone Coastal 10K has close ties with the Gurkha and Nepalese community, who have helped us with our race, so it is fitting that we should support them during this difficult time.”
"We know this contribution will assist in not only the immediate humanitarian issues, but also the long-term objectives of getting things back to normal."
Donations can be taken to the offices of Independent Insurance Services, Church House, 136 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2BN.
The building is open during office hours: Mon to Friday - 08:30 - 17:30 and Sat 09:00-12:30.
The Folkestone Herald office are also collecting donations of goods.
Links to some of the many other organisations are below:
Disasters Emergency Committee: http://bit.ly/DECDonate
Oxfam: http://bit.ly/OxDonate
British Red Cross: http://bit.ly/BRCDonate
Unicef: http://bit.ly/UNFDonate
Action Aid: http://bit.ly/ActionDonate
World Vision: http://bit.ly/WVDonate
Save the Children: http://bit.ly/SaveDonate
ShelterBox: http://bit.ly/ShelBoxDonate
Medecins Sans Frontieres – Doctors Without Borders: http://bit.ly/MSFDonate
Cheques can be made payable to: 'Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal' or cash donations can also be given and taken to their offices on Sandgate Road, where a receipt will be provided.
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