American fashion designer of Nepal origin Prabal Gurung has begun raising funds for the victims of the earthquake in his native country.
The 36-year-old designer, who has dressed personalities like US First Lady Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cambridge, has been spearheading an effort to raise funds and awareness for the country.
“Please help my fundraiser: Nepal Earthquake Fund. Donate and spread the word. Every dollar counts,” Gurung posted on twitter.
The New-York-based designer has raised USD 386,624 through his Shikshya Foundation Nepal so far.
Gurung left Nepal in 2000 to attend Parsons, the New School for Fashion Design, but his parents, siblings, nieces and nephews still live in the country.
In an interview to New York Times, Gurung said he is in constant touch with his family. “They are all sleeping outside their houses because of fear of aftershocks. There is no electricity. It is raining,” he said.