Page 9 - link magazine

Swindon aid workers plea for Nepal
earthquake relief

For two Swindon charity workers well and although they are very
the scenes in the aftermath resilient they have some very tough
of the Nepali earthquake are months ahead. We’re able to get the
heartbreaking. aid directly where it is needed using
Rosa and Ian Matheson from our local contacts. We can provide
Highworth have raised funds for very real help for them. At the
the past five years for the Angel moment the Nepali Government has
Orphanage in Nepal and are now not lifted the 40 per cent import tax
calling for people to keep up the so a lot of the aid from the bigger
donations as they can get the aid to organisations is still at the airport
where it really matters. not being used.”
As the world’s media moves on The couple are planning a trip in
whole communities only miles from late September after the monsoons Nepalese villagers stand outside the ruins of their homes
the capital Kathmandu with no to help with reconstruction of that have been reduced to rubble
buildings left standing have still not homes using earthquake resistent
received any aid and the monsoon earth-bag building techniques. They
season is now upon them. also want volunteers to join them, if
The next few months will be they can pay their own way.
one big battle for their lives as Rosa said: “There is so much that
families try to survive with no real people need. Any little help will
shelter or running water, whilst really make a difference to a lot of
fighting the risks of disease and people’s lives.”
fear of landslides caused by the In the meantime the Mathesons are
earthquake’s structural damage. not slowing down their fundraising
Ian, who has only just returned events. Join them on:
from Nepal, said: “We visited • Saturday 4 July, 2.30pm, Brandy
several villages trying to get them Bush, Brookfield, Highworth for
some aid. A lot of the places we’ve cream tea in the garden,
visited haven’t seen any aid at all. • Sunday 12 July, Longcot Village
We’ve been trying to give them as Fair,
much help as possible with money • Sunday 26 July, 12.30pm, South- A temporary shelter erected at a village just outside of
raised especially using corrugated erndown, Shrivenham. Jazz on the Kathmandu in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes
iron so that they can put together Lawn with The All Stars Jazz Band.
some sort of temporary shelter to
get them through the monsoon Donate online at: www.bit.ly/an-
months which last from now until gelsbiggibe or support the orphan-
September. age at www.angelsorphanage.com
“It is devastating to see. We’ve For more information about the
got to know these communities very events call 01793 764979.

Treasurer needed
Swindon Ocotal Link (SOL) is a small friendly
well-established charity celebrating the civic,
cultural and personal links between Swindon and one of its twin towns,
Ocotal in Nicaragua.
SOL has been running for 25 years and has provided ongoing financial
support for education, social and cultural programmes in Ocotal
as well as sponsoring visits to Swindon for civic and cultural exchange.
It is supported in Ocotal by its sister organisation Fundacion SOL.
Key tasks include:
• Preparing annual accounts, arranging for independent examination
and presenting them at the AGM Blinds to compliment your home
• Maintaining robust records of all financial transactions
• Responsibility for all credits and debits to accounts Excellent quality, great customer service and
• Budget planning for coming financial year
• Ensuring gift aid entitlements are maximised and SOL is compliant amaZiNG value for moNey
with charity commission and HMRC regulations
The approximate time commitment is two hours a month. Knowledge We offer a huge range of products and colours
of MS Excel would be an advantage.
SOL meets every two months on the first Tuesday of the month, and we can supply and install beautiful
7.30pm at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon (followed by an blinds from as little as £37.00 save
optional trip to the pub).
Please note there is no requirement to be involved in fundraising. Call now on: 01793 338056 10% off
If you are interested please email SOL chairman Steve Rhodes: your first order
[email protected] www.nothingbutblinds.co.uk with this advert
swindonlink.com n July 2015 9