Gurkhas collect for Nepalese People
Gurkhas from the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) at RAF Halton have been collecting clothing and cash to support the people of Nepal after the devastating earthquakes there. Two of them have family who have been directly affected by the tragedy.
They initially started collecting clothing but such was the response from Great Britain and the massive amount of clothing collected, the decision was made to sell the clothing instead of storing it at RAF Brize Norton until transport became available.
Lance Corporal Bijay Gurung, (MPGS) said: “We were all shocked to hear of the super earthquake that hit Nepal, killing thousands of people with hundreds still missing and thousands homeless. We decided to do something to support those people who were affected, so my team from RAF Halton MPGS launched two different initiatives to raise funds.”
“We immediately did a bucket collection on the main gate of the station, which amounted to £446.21, then collected clothing from the married quarters and charity shops. Approximately 675 kgs was collected and due to transportation problems we sold the clothing and got £425. I would like to thank all the members of the Gurkha Society who supported the collections and helped to launch those events, and those who donated the clothes and money, without your help and support we could not have successfully raised such an amount of money.”
RAF Halton’s Station Commander, Group Captain Adrian Burns, presented Lieutenant Mekh Gurung, Chairman of the Gurkha Society, ‘Tin Dobhan Samaj UK’ with a cheque for £871.21 and Lt Gurung said: “I cannot comprehend the amount of worry and stress that the MPGS personnel here have been through with their families back home suffering, two of their families being directly involved with damage to their homes. What you and RAF Halton personnel have done pays testament to your strength and determination. I also thank the RAF Halton community for their generous donations which will reach the worst hit places in the west of Nepal where help is still needed for basic living needs. If you go on the Tin Dobhan Samaj UK website you can see how and where the money will be spent.”