By Emilie Ng
CHEFS at a Wilston restaurant have teamed up with Caritas Australia to help the family of a Nepalese kitchen hand devastated by an earthquake on April 25.
The family of Subash Kunwar, who works at Citron Modern Asian Restaurant, was in the middle of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake which claimed the lives of more than 8000 people and injured more than 17,800.
Mr Kunwar, who studies Commerce at Griffith University, said he went “completely blank” when he heard the devastating news.
“My heart was beating very fast,” he said.
He spent six agonising hours trying to reach his family living in Kathmandu after the country’s worst earthquake hit about 11am.
The 22-year-old eventually reached his father at 5pm Australian time, and was overjoyed to hear his parents, sister and brother were still alive.
“But everything is messed up,” Mr Kunwar said.
“My home is alright, but my neighbour has lost theirs.
“My uncle-in-law’s lost his house; his entire village was completely destroyed as it was built on a hill.
“It was a total disaster.”
Eager to help his family from Australia, Mr Kunwar spoke to Citron co-owners Mark Newman and Robert Foley about raising money for his family and others affected in Nepal.
“Everyone’s trying to help somehow,” he said.
“I thought, why not try at my own restaurant?”
Mr Newman contacted Catholic aid agency Caritas Australia and in one week the restaurant raised more than $500.
According to Caritas Australia, $75 provides tent shelter for up to 15 families, while $180 provides about 60kg of rice, enough for eight families for a month.
Mr Newman said he chose Caritas Australia at the recommendation of his daughter, who graduated from Mt Maria College, Mitchelton, and his wife, who works at a Catholic aged-care facility on Brisbane’s northside.
Caritas diocesan director Joe Foley said Citron restaurant’s support was important for the Nepalese people during the difficult period.
“This kind of gesture is typical of the Australian community, always willing to support our brothers and sisters when disaster strikes,” Mr Foley said.
One month since the earthquake struck, Mr Kunwar said the Nepalese people were still feeling the dire effects of the disaster.
He said thousands were without food, and many were fighting to have a small meal. Most were sleeping on the streets.
Mr Kunwar’s family sleeps on the floor of their three-level home in case another earthquake hits the city.
“Some of the people are living outside even though they have their house,” he said.
“They have fear in their mind that it will happen again.”
Donate to provide urgent support in Nepal by visiting www.caritas.org.au/nepalearthquake.
