An auction to raise money to help the poverty and disease stricken children of Nepal will be held at the Bermuda National Gallery next week.

The Kathmandu Kids Club, a group recently formed to raise money for the charity ISIS Foundation, has organised the fundraising effort.

ISIS manages a number of projects in Nepal, which are designed to ease the plight of children living in a country ravaged by poverty and war.

Club Chairman Kim Carter said "Namaste: An Evening in Nepal" would feature complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres, examples of Nepali culture, information about the Club's projects and a fundraising auction of authentic Nepali crafts, arts and textiles.

Items to be auctioned include: a silk Kashmir rug, jewellery, pashminas and scarves. Mr. Carter added: "We are hoping that people want to buy early for Christmas, and if they do, they will have the most unusual presents under the tree for sure."

Leonie Exel, president of the Kathmandu Kids Club and general manager of the ISIS Foundation, said she hopes the event will raise awareness of "an extraordinary relationship" that is taking place between Nepal and Bermuda.

She said: "There is this incredible thing occurring between Nepal and Bermuda that many people aren't aware of. There are now thousands of people in Nepal who are being supported by hundreds of Bermudians through the ISIS Foundation and the Kathmandu Kids Club."

The event will take place at the National Gallery on September 28 from 5.30 p.m to 8 p.m. Tickets for non-club members are $10 and can be purchased from the ISIS Foundation office at the Crow Lane Bakery building or at the door.

Anyone interested in joining the Kathmandu Club can do so at the September 28 event. Membership fees are directed towards the fundraising efforts.