As soon as news of April’s earthquake in Nepal reached Anna & Sanu Gurung, from Kenmore, near Aberfeldy, they knew urgent help and support would be needed by their family and friends reeling from the tremors that have decimated huge swathes of the country.
Once the couple had managed to contact their loved ones in Nepal, Anna realised that a urgent response was needed to the crisis. She immediately decided on a parachute jump, as an eye catching fundraiser. With her friend Liz Holmes they began to prepare for the skydive and launched a fundraising campaign.
However as the full enormity of the earthquake’s destruction started to reach the rest of the world, Anna knew she needed to work even harder for the victims of the largest earthquake recorded anywhere in the world for over 80 years.
“We knew, as soon as news of the death toll started to rise, that more would be needed” , Anna said , “ I recruited help from friends and colleagues and decided to organise a fundraising dinner and evening of entertainment.”
Anna worked tirelessly, finding a location, expert help and seeking out big hearted donations to help make the evening a huge successful.
The dinner – under the banner Bring Back The Smile To Nepal – was held on Saturday night, at the Molteno Hall, Fortingall.
120 guests enjoyed a meal, music, fundraising auction and entertainment and raised over £8,000, towards disaster relief in Nepal.
Anna made an emotional speech, to open proceeding, as she thanked the team of volunteers, that had kindly given their time to help make the night a success. She also paid tribute to the generosity of all the local individuals and businesses, small and large, who had gifted prizes and donations towards the fundraising effort.
“It’s amazing how quickly Anna and Sanu have organised this event,” said Mark Bridgeman ( part of Team Anna ), “ only her astonishing drive and determination, during the last three weeks, have made this possible. A huge thank you also to everyone that helped tonight, Anna and Sanu will never forget your generosity.”
Instead of taking a well earned rest, Anna now moves on to her next fundraising exploit. On Sunday 25 May Anna – together with her friend Liz Holmes – will take to the skies above Perthshire for her fundraising parachute jump!
