Since late April, Branford’s Nepalese residents and the local chapter of Society of Nepalese in America (SONA) have been mobilized to raise money, materials, manpower, and awareness for victims of Nepal’s devastating earthquakes of April 25 and May 12. As of press time, more than 8,700 deaths and 22,500 injuries have been recorded in the wake of historic ruin and loss which began when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake trigged avalanches and aftershocks guttering villages and cities.

The Branford SONA chapter has already channeled $40,000 in donations raised here to assist with the earthquake relief work in Nepal, but much more help is needed, and Branford residents can help. This weekend and next, two events have been coordinated through SONA and Branford Trinity Church’s Outreach Ministry.

On June 20, Trinity Church opens its doors during the Branford Festival for guests to stop in and hear more about the devastation and need for aid from their Nepalese neighbors, including some who recently returned from a direct assistance trip to Nepal. In addition, proceeds from the church’s bake sale will go toward the Branford-Nepal Earthquake relief fund. Look for the bake sale tent on the church’s front lawn on the Branford Green on Saturday, June 20.

On Saturday, June 27, the public is invited to Trinity Church’s Branford-Nepal Earthquake Relief dinner, featuring an authentic Nepalese buffet-style meal with traditional Nepalese entertainment as well as information from SONA members about the need in Nepal. Tickets are on sale now. The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Church. All proceeds will go to SONA for direct aid to the hardest hit regions of Nepal.

Tickets, $40, for the Saturday, June 27 Branford-Nepal Earthquake Relief Dinner can be purchased in advance at the Trinity Church office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Church on Sundays from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Branford Festival on Saturday, June 20 (tables in front of Trinity Church), or at Darbar Indian Restaurant, 1070 Main Street Branford, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are also available at the door, but advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information, email outreach@trinity.org. To learn more about SONA’s relief efforts or to make a direct contribution to SONA, a 501c3 nonprofit, visit www.sonabranford.org.