Tickets for a Nepal flood disaster fundraising dinner organised by Ararat’s Sede Café owner Bishal Khanal sold out in just two days.

Part of the Ararat community for seven years, Mr Khanal said he organised the event for the benefit of people in his home country.

“Myself, my partner, a few other girls who work here, and some others here are all from Nepal, and being away from our home, we felt for our home,” he said.

“One of my friends here has lost three family members.

“So, we thought we would do a little fundraising dinner and we have sold 160 tickets already, which is capacity, so we’re also doing a raffle.”

With tickets available at the café, the raffle of donated items will be drawn at tomorrow’s dinner.

“All the prizes have been donated by local wineries, businesses, individual people, and families – there have been heaps of donations,” Mr Khanal said.

“We’re also doing a silent auction on the night. 

“All the funds collected will go to the disaster relief fund. We’re expecting about $20,000 will be raised.”

Mr Khanal said several Nepalese people from the Ararat and Stawell area were helping him organise the event. 

“There’ll be fundraising, a Nepalese dinner, music, some Nepalese cultural performance – we’re all going to be dressed up in Nepalese dress,” he said. “My town has been incredibly great – the donations, the tickets were sold in less than two days, we didn’t even have a chance to advertise.

“This money will go to the families, and some clean water, medical supplies and that sort of thing. 

“It’s not a big event, but at least there will be something. 

“There are 5300 people still missing, more than 1400 have lost their lives, more than 450 houses have gone and there’s more coming. 

“It’s a really sad thing, but we thought we’ll get together, make it a fun night, sell some raffle tickets and hopefully we’ll put some families on their feet again.”

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