The university community is coming together to help Nepalese students at UBC Okanagan deal with the devastating aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude quake that hit their home country.
This Sunday, the Nepalese Scholars’ Association, along with UBC students and staff, will host a candlelight vigil to honour the thousands killed.
Dinesh Adhikary, founding member of UBC Okanagan’s Nepalese Scholars’ Association, says friends and family back home are in great pain and despair.
“We Nepalese students at UBC Okanagan are in great pain as well. Our immediate families are fine, but our homes are in ruin and our families are out on the streets. But we Nepalese students have not lost hope. We believe it is time to step forward and do the best we can to support our people.”
Students aim to raise $40,000 in the next six months and support earthquake victims and their families in Gorkha district, where the worst destruction took place.
The candlelight vigil is meant to raise awareness about the devastation and loss of lives in Nepal. As well, a student-led fundraising campaign will be launched through the Red Cross.
Adhikary says people are welcome to bring cash donations to the event or donate to the Red Cross.
The federal government is matching pledges, dollar-for-dollar, in all eligible contributions to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund until May 25. The UBC Students’ Union Okanagan is also donating $1,500 to the earthquake relief effort.
The vigil takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Stuart Park. There will be a short speaking program, candle lighting and a minute of silent prayer. Refreshments will be served.