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The Lewis Branch of Save the Children is marking its 50th anniversary - at a time when the international charity seek aid to help nearly two million children feared affected by the Nepal earthquake.

 

Its half century will be marked by a lunch next week.

 

Speakers at the event include Save the Children regional humanitarian director Rob MacGillivary, who will take of his experiences with the charity’s programs in Sierra Leone. Morag Smith, Save the Children’s North Scotland fundraising executive will also attend.

 

Locally, the charity started as Lewis and Harris branch of Save the Children.

 

The first AGM of the Save the Children Lewis Branch took place on April 24 1965.

 

In 1969, there was a name change to Lewis Branch.

 

It opened a charity shop in 1984, in Stornoway, sending away over one tonne of clothing to aid during its first year.

 

Presently, the shop raises around £80,000 annually.

 

In the wake of the worst earthquake to hit Nepal in 81 years, the Save the Children charity has launched an appeal with the aim of raising $5million US for its Nepal Earthquake Childrens Relief Fund.

 

Already the international charity has been distributing aid on the ground, delivering 136 tarpaulins in Kathmandu Valley and distributed 180 baby packs – including children’s clothes, blankets and soap – around the Bhaktapur district.

 

Save the Children will continue to support the earthquake victims in some of the hardest hit regions, including also in the Gorkha and Shindhupalchowk districts.

 

Donations to help Save the Children get aid to children in Nepal, can be made via www.savethechildren.org.uk

 

 

Lewis arm of Save the Children clocks up 50 years

1 May 2015