Hong Kong Raises Funds for Nepal Flood Victims at Packed Bar

A hundred people squeezed into a Central cocktail bar on a Monday night, united by one mission: help Nepal recover from deadly floods that killed hundreds and left thousands missing.

The fundraiser at Orchard bar brought together Hong Kong's 30,000-strong Nepalese community just days after flash floods and mudslides struck their homeland on August 27. By the time the event kicked off, the death toll had reached 919 with more than 4,000 people still missing.

Five Nepalese bar operators and bartenders joined forces to create the event, crafting signature cocktails dedicated to their homeland. Orchard founder Alex Pun organized the collaboration immediately after hearing about the disaster, wanting to "mobilize people from the industry to help."

The crowd included both Nepalese residents and Hong Kong locals showing solidarity. Shreya Rai, a 27-year-old public relations professional born and raised in Hong Kong, attended with friends despite her own family living far from the affected region. "There is no other reason to drink on a Monday," she said, explaining that her relatives in a remote eastern village faced their own flood risks with limited evacuation options.

Dipesh Rai, a bartender at Orchard, volunteered to work on his day off. "The Nepalese community is small and it is great to gather for such a great cause," he said, noting how the number of affected people kept climbing hourly.

The event also drew residents outside the Nepalese community. Delphine Kong, who works in food and beverage, said she felt compelled to support the rapid response. "It is a tragic event but the vibe here is still full of hope in raising funds for a meaningful initiative," Kong said.

The Ripple Effect

The fundraiser represents more than just one night's donations. It shows how Hong Kong's diverse communities support each other during crises, with many hospitality workers stepping up because they know how powerful collective action can be.

Pun's goal of raising 50,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $6,400) will go directly to Nepal's official government disaster relief fund. But the real impact extends beyond the money. Local friends reached out to check on Pun's family safety, spurring him to turn concern into action.

All proceeds from every drink sold that night will help families rebuilding their lives after losing homes and loved ones to the devastating torrents that swept through the Himalayan region.

When disaster strikes halfway around the world, sometimes all it takes is a small community, a few cocktails, and a Monday night to turn solidarity into real support.