CALL FOR RESTAURATEURS WORLDWIDE TO AID QUAKE VICTIMS
Edinburgh restaurateur Tommy Miah is asking owners of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants all over the world to organise fund-raising events to aid survivors of the catastrophic Haiti earthquake as a matter of extreme urgency.
His appeal is being launched with the full support of the UN World Food Programme, the world’s largest and most experienced agency fighting food shortages and starvation in needy countries.
“My homeland, Bangladesh, knows the impact of natural disasters only too well,” Tommy said. “The world community has come to our aid many times in the not too distant past. There is no doubt that we should now show that we can give as well as take.”
“There are Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants in many countries throughout the world,” he said. “Not all will be able to make a major contribution but even a small amount, properly directed, can mean vital assistance.”
Tommy suggests that individuals and businesses should channel any donations through the UN World Food Programme as that would ensure the quickest and most efficient use of any cash.
His appeal will be launched by Caroline Hurford, head of WFP in the UK, at Room Q, Portcullis House, the Parliament offices in Westminster, from 12 to 2.30pm on Thursday.
Tommy is sending full details of the appeal to his hundreds of worldwide professional contacts.
As a first personal contribution, he has arranged a free dinner at his London Raj Hotel at 7.30 pm on Friday. Up to 100 guests will eat free of charge but will be urged to give what they can afford to WFP. The full cost of the meal will be borne by the Raj Hotel so donations will go to the appeal in their entirety. In addition, the Hotel will serve free refreshments on the same basis from 1- 6pm.
A similar event is planned for his Raj restaurant in Edinburgh next week.
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