Mags GarganA priest among a group of hillwalkers from the Diocese of Ferns who survived the devastating earthquake in Nepal was “astounded” by people’s generosity in helping to raise over €170,000 for relief efforts in the country.
Fr Tom Dalton was one of eight people from Wexford who had just landed in Nepal when the earthquake struck on April 25, devastating large parts of the country and leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless.
Fundraising
On returning home the team set about organising a concert at the National Opera House and numerous benefit nights for Nepal. Local schools also held bake sales and a non-uniform day and other events included a charity run.
“Originally we were optimistically hoping to raise €100,000, but we have been astounded by the generosity of people, not just from Co. Wexford and the South East, but from all over the country,” Fr Dalton told The Irish Catholic.
The money raised is going to Trócaire’s emergency appeal for Nepal which has brought shelter, clean water and other vital aid to 220,000 people in Nepal.