Some local businesses and organizations are getting together to raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Nepal.
One of those involved is Niraj Lama, owner of Happy Earth Tea in Rochester. He is of Nepalese ethnicity and his family lives across the border from Nepal in Darjeeling, India.
"In fact, I just got off the phone with my folks in Darjeeling (Monday morning) and they just experienced another serious jolt about 40 minutes ago, so everybody is in a state of panic and I myself am pretty distressed by all that is going on there," Lama said.
Happy Earth Tea is partnering with The Rochester Brainery for a fundraiser this coming Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the Brainery at 274 North Goodman. They'll be offering tea and traditional snacks made by some Nepalese natives now living in Rochester.
The proceeds will benefit relief efforts underway in Nepal as well as the Ama Foundation, which houses and educates abandoned children in Kathmandu.
Khagendra Phuyel said the Rochester Nepalese Society was also trying to organize a way to raise funds for the earthquake victims.