Hospitality Student Leads Nepal Flood Relief Fundraising Effort

A UHI Perth Hospitality Management student is using the skills he has gained through his studies to support communities in his homeland following devastating flash floods in Nepal.

Fourth-year Hospitality Management student Abiral Rai has organised a series of fundraising events to raise money for those affected by the recent disaster, bringing together students, staff and the wider community through food, culture and hospitality. 

The fundraising programme began with a "Cup of Kindness for Nepal" Coffee Morning on Thursday, 17 September, which will be followed by a special three-course Nepalese lunch on Wednesday, 7 October. Both events aim to celebrate Nepalese culture while generating vital support for those who have lost homes, livelihoods and possessions in the floods. 
 
Thanks to the generosity of students, staff and the wider community, the Cup of Kindness fundraising appeal raised approximately £1,500.  

Abiral, who is studying at UHI Perth far from his family and community in Nepal, said he wanted to use the knowledge and skills he has developed during his studies to make a positive difference. 

"Being far from home, I wanted to find a way to use the knowledge and skills I have gained from my Hospitality Management studies to support the people of Nepal affected by the recent flash floods. Organising these fundraising events allows me to bring people together while also doing something meaningful for my community back home. 

"Through the coffee morning and the three-course Nepalese lunch, I hope to share a little of Nepalese food, culture and hospitality with the UHI community and people around us, while raising funds for those who have lost their homes and everything they have. For me, this is a way of using the hospitality knowledge I have gained through my studies not only to build my own future, but also to give something back to my people while I am far from home." 

Abiral also thanked the staff who have supported the initiative. "I would like to say a huge thank you to Shirley and all the lecturers for their positive response and support in helping to make these events happen." 

Shirley Simpson, Subject Leader and Lecturer in Hospitality and Food Studies, praised the efforts of Abiral and his fellow students. "Abiral and his peers have worked incredibly hard to organise these events. They provide an opportunity for people to come together, learn more about Nepalese culture and support communities facing an extremely difficult situation. We are proud to support their efforts and encourage everyone who can to get involved." 

Donations can also be made through the team's fundraising page, with all proceeds going towards supporting those affected by the floods in Nepal. For more information or to make a donation, visit the fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/shirley-simpson-1