Tragedy a world away yet close to home raises $16,000

FOR staff at Harbourside, the devastating flooding in Nepal was never simply a tragedy happening thousands of kilometres away.

With around 30 Nepalese employees working across the organisation, the disaster affected colleagues whose families and communities were facing the consequences back home.

That personal connection prompted the Harbourside CEO Appeal for Nepal, an initiative that began with a relatively modest $2,000 target and ultimately raised approximately $16,000 for flood relief and recovery efforts.

The response reflected the strong relationships that had developed between its Nepalese staff, residents, clients, suppliers and supporters, according to Harbourside CEO, Paul Fitzpatrick.

“We wanted them to know that when their communities were facing such a difficult time, their Harbourside community was standing alongside them,” he said.

Rather than holding a standalone fundraiser, Harbourside incorporated the appeal into its annual Multicultural Connections Day, turning the occasion into both a fundraising effort and celebration of the cultural diversity within the organisation.

Retirement Living residents shared a three-course Nepalese-inspired lunch prepared by Nepalese chef Jaya, while members of the Nepalese team performed a traditional cultural dance.

The celebrations were also taken to Residential Care residents, with some joining the staff on the dance floor.

Support also extended well beyond those attending the event.

Suppliers donated approximately $6,000 worth of raffle prizes and around $5,500 in financial donations, while Harbourside contributed $3,000 towards the final result.

Residents, Home Care clients, staff and supporters also contributed through donations, raffle tickets and participation.

“It made the day much more than a fundraiser; it became a genuine celebration of culture, connection and community,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“Even though the tragedy occurred thousands of kilometres away, for us it wasn’t a distant issue.

“To raise approximately $16,000 in such a short period of time was well beyond what we had anticipated and showed just how strongly people wanted to support our Nepalese team.

“It affected people who are part of our Harbourside family, and I think that personal connection really resonated with everyone.”

Funds raised will support flood relief and recovery efforts in Nepal, providing practical assistance to affected families and communities.

For Harbourside, however, the appeal also carried another message.

“We hope our Nepalese staff know how valued they are,” Mr Fitzpatrick added.

“The response from the Harbourside community was our way of saying that when something affects their families and communities, we care and we want to stand with them.”

By Jacie WHITFIELD