National Fund Supporting the Gurkhas

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Posted by: santosh, on 7/26/2010, in category "Gurkhas-related articles"
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We’re launching national fund to support Gurkhas

Ex-Gurkha soldier Keshar Sherchan is helping to launch the Gurkha Action Fund in Ledbury.

A NEW national campaign to help Gurkha soldiers and their families settle in Britain is being officially launched in Ledbury.

The town centre will be closed off on Sunday, August 15, for the event which will mark the launch of the Gurkha Action Fund (GAF).

Committee members are busy finalising a programme for the launch.

A military parade and fly-past or skydiving demonstration are being planned, along with live bands, a high-quality raffle, tombola, and plenty of Gurkha food and drinks. The fund’s aim is to help up to 12,000 Gurkha families settle in Britain without relying on handouts and provide them with relocation funds and action towards employment.

The launch event will be opened by Ledbury mayor Paul Winter and Royal Navy commander John Muxworthy, founder of the UK National Defence Association.

On the committee are brothers Keshar and Ganesh Sherchan, who are both ex-Gurkha soldiers. Keshar fought alongside British forces in Kosovo and Bosnia, and says he appreciates the bid to help his countrymen.

He said: “This is a very interesting project and I’m very excited by all the work being done by this very small group.

“There are still a lot of problems to be solved and many Gurkhas have to leave their families behind. I am determined to help them.”

Also on the committee is Robert Van-Es, of Ledbury, who has worked extensively on development projects funded by international agencies.

It is because Mr Van-Es lives in the town that it has been chosen as the venue for the launch.

Proceeds will partly come from the sale of military memorabilia and Gurkha-blended and branded alcoholic beverages from the Three Choirs Vineyards in Newent. There will be also be a collection during the event.