Readers of our current issue would be concerned about the safety of John and Helen Niven, from Alstonville, who regularly volunteer their services to perform dental clinics in rural Nepal. Indeed, the Nivens were recently in the Himalayan country for several weeks. Fortunately, they left Kathmandu just one day before the devastating earthquake that has taken so many lives and caused immense damage. 

GPSpeak was relieved to learn that this delightful and selfless couple is safe, although like us they would be deeply distressed by the death and injury toll, and the widespread destruction of homes and public infrastructure.

Organisations accepting targeted donations to help the people of Nepal include Red Cross, Save the Children, World Vision, Oxfam, UNICEF and CARE Australia.