A FUND raising drive by a Redditch woman to help build two permanent classrooms at a Nepalese school has got off to a flying start, writes Rhys Goodfellow.
Jess Elvins was inspired to do her bit for the earthquake-hit country after volunteering to help the local community out there.
She spent five months learning the culture and traditions of Nepal, while trying to ‘make a difference’ to schooling standards.
She was involved with Maya Universe Academy (MYA), the first free private school in Nepal, which offers a good education to its students.
However the poor state of the classrooms there, built from bamboo, spurred her to do even more for the children.
The result was a Valentines fund raising dinner at the Nepalese Mount Everest restaurant in Studley on Tuesday evening featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet, a Valentines Day quiz and the sale of traditional handmade crafts.
“It was absolutely incredible. It went better than I could ever have hoped,” said Jess.
“We had a full restaurant and the staff was amazing.
“Everybody gave such great feedback and all for a great cause.”
The evening raised £778 taking Jess’s fund raising efforts to £1,629 – almost half the £3,400 she needs to raise to build a classroom.
Now Jess is concentrating on her next fund raiser, at Redditch United Football Club on March 17, which will be free to enter.
It will feature a buffet, quiz, stalls and a raffle, including great prizes including a signed book by award winning actress Emma Thompson and a four-hour tattoo slot.
To take part call Jess on 07848 821779 or email [email protected].
