I'm a Nepalese business owner in Blackpool and I'm heartbroken by the floods - I want to help
“This is more than an online fundraiser.”
The owner of a Blackpool cafe and native of Nepal has launched a special relief appeal to raise money for the devastated communities affected by floods in his home-country.
Sanjay Kushwara has set up ‘Blackpool Stands With Nepal – Café 25 Flood Relief Appeal’ to bring together customers, local residents and businesses to support those affected.
Catastrophic flash floods struck Nepal’s Trishuli Valley on August 26 after a glacier collapse triggered torrents of ice, rock and mud.
More than 1,300 people have died, thousands remain missing, and homes, roads and hydropower projects were destroyed. Rescue operations continue amid difficult conditions, while climate change raises concerns.
Sanjay has now set up a dedicated GoFundMe page to help with their first target set at £1,000.
He said: “What has made this especially meaningful is that some of our regular customers have independently stepped forward to help.
“They are organising their own fundraising activities at the cafe on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, including cakes, adult and children’s tombolas, prizes and other activities.
“Alongside this event, we are running a wider ongoing fundraising campaign.
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“This is more than an online fundraiser. We want to create a genuine community appeal from Blackpool to support people facing the aftermath of a devastating disaster.
“The net proceeds raised through our GoFundMe will be transferred to the Government of Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, and we intend to publish proof of the transfer afterwards for transparency.”
Sanjay, who moved to the UK as an MBA student took over the cafe earlier in the year, fulfilling his dream of owning a hospitality business, bringing an international mix of flavours and experience to the town.