Ashfield is reaching out to Nepal after earthquake

Anjana Subba woke to the news of the earthquake in Nepal and thought straight away of her daughter and parents.

“My daughter is in Kathmandu, and so are my parents,” Ms Subba said.

“But they are all OK, they are safe. It’s very, very scary.”

Ms Subba, who runs the popular convenience store on the corner of Elizabeth and Charlotte streets, belongs to the small and growing Nepalese community in Ashfield.

Aside from English, Nepalese is the fourth highest language spoken at homes in Ashfield, after Mandarin, Italian and Cantonese.

Ms Subba moved to Ashfield seven years ago, and her shop is adorned with I love Nepal stickers.

“My sister and two kids are visiting in Nepal too,” she said.

“They are OK, but it was very scary for her husband back in the UK.”

Ms Subba said she was touched by the efforts worldwide to help the people in her home country, after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck on April 25, killing thousands of people and destroying homes and villages.

“Everybody is helping out, from every country. People from Australia are helping, from India, and from China. This makes me feel happy about a situation that is so scary.”

Ashfield Mayor Lucille McKenna put out a mayoral minute last Tuesday, pledging Ashfield’s support for Nepal.

“Our thoughts are with our Nepalese residents, as it is unlikely that their families and friends in Nepal have been untouched by this disaster,” Cr McKenna said.

“There are a number of international aid organisations working to rescue those still trapped in rubble and distribute much needed medicine, water and shelter.

“The Australian Government has pledged $5  million in humanitarian assistance.

“In recognition of the effect that this disaster will have on our community, Ashfield Council is able to offer some support to the emergency response and recovery efforts in Nepal.”

While Cr McKenna initially suggested donating $2000 to the cause, after council discussions, Ashfield Council will donate $5000 to an international aid organisation to support the emergency response and recovery efforts in Nepal.

Cr McKenna is asking mayors in nearby councils to match the donation.

WHERE TO DONATE

■The Embassy of Nepal in Canberra has information on how to contribute directly to the relief and rescue efforts in Nepal. Visit necan.gov.np for bank account details.

TIPS ON DONATING

The Better Business Bureau in the US offers these tips for donations to help in Nepal

1. Be cautious of scams when giving online. Rely on expert opinion to evaluate a charity

2. Be wary of claims that 100 per cent of donations will assist relief victims

3. Does the charity have an on-the-ground presence?

4. Is the charity providing direct aid?

5. Gifts of food and clothing are not always the quickest way to help

• By LISA HERBERTSON 
• INNER WEST COURIER INNER WEST

Antony Fung

Ashfield Real Estate

www.ashfield-realestate.com.au

1300 938 931