The fundraiser that took Richmond's generosity to a hospital bedside
Our 2017 JustGiving appeal for Shalini Yadav — £2,350 donated worldwide, topped up to £2,500 by the Jaflong Tandoori team and hand-delivered in cash towards her treatment.
£2,500
Hand-delivered in cash
Worldwide
Donors, from Richmond to abroad
2017
JustGiving appeal, delivered in person
£2,350 donated by supporters, generously topped up by the Jaflong Tandoori team to £2,500.
Why we got involved
Shalini Yadav was a teenager from India living with a rare skin condition that meant her skin shed roughly every six weeks. The press called her "the human snake girl" — a label that followed her everywhere and made her a target for bullies. Behind the headlines was a bright young girl who wanted to become a doctor.
When specialists in Spain offered to treat her, the family still faced the cost of care and travel. Jaflong opened a JustGiving appeal and asked our customers in Richmond and Kingston to chip in. The appeal travelled further than we expected: donations arrived from people all over the world who had read her story and simply wanted to help.
Rather than wiring the money, we flew out and handed over £2,500 in cash at the private hospital caring for her — and got to meet Shalini and her medical team in person.
How the fundraiser unfolded
Early 2017
The appeal opens
Shalini's story reached us through the press. We opened a JustGiving appeal and asked our Richmond and Kingston customers to chip in alongside us.
Spring 2017
Donations arrive from around the world
The appeal travelled well beyond our regulars — donations came in from people across the globe who had read about her and simply wanted to help.
Closing the appeal
£2,350 raised, topped up to £2,500
Supporters donated £2,350. The Jaflong Tandoori team topped the pot up so we could hand over a round £2,500.
2017
Hand-delivered, in person
Rather than wiring it, we travelled out and handed over £2,500 in cash at the private hospital caring for her — and got to meet Shalini and her medical team.
September 2017
Her treatment makes the news
Shalini's treatment was covered by press in the UK and Spain, documenting the care the appeal contributed towards.
The story in pictures
Photographs and press cuttings from the 2017 trip, shared with Shalini's family.
For us this was never about publicity. Our customers trusted us with their money, and we wanted to put it into someone's hands and look them in the eye when we did it.
The Jaflong family
Shalini's story in the press
Her treatment was covered internationally. These reports document the care the fundraiser contributed towards.
Support the next appeal
The 2017 appeal is closed, but we keep backing causes across Richmond and Kingston upon Thames. Donate to a live cause on JustGiving, or tell us about a fundraiser you would like us to cater.
Follow Jaflong, join the next fundraiser
We announce every community appeal, charity dinner and fundraising fair we take part in on social. Follow along and be part of the next one.
Community spirit, locally and internationally
The Shalini appeal is the furthest our community has reached, but the instinct behind it shows up every year closer to home — Ham Fair, Hollyfest at Hollyfield School, Richmond Park events and school PTA fundraisers where we turn up, feed people and put something back.
If you are raising money for a cause in Richmond or Kingston upon Thames and need catering that works within a fundraising budget, talk to us.
Frequently asked questions
How much did the Jaflong catering fundraiser raise for Shalini Yadav?
Supporters donated £2,350 through a JustGiving appeal in 2017. The Jaflong Tandoori team topped it up so a round £2,500 could be handed over in cash at the private hospital treating Shalini.
Where did the money go?
It went directly towards Shalini's treatment costs at the private hospital caring for her. Jaflong delivered the funds in person rather than passing them through a third party.
Who donated to the appeal?
Customers and neighbours across Richmond and Kingston upon Thames, alongside supporters around the world who found the appeal online.
Does Jaflong cater charity fundraisers and community events?
Yes. We cater charity dinners, fundraising fairs, school PTA events and community festivals across Richmond and Kingston upon Thames, quoted per head so your committee knows its margin before the day.
How can I support the next Jaflong community fundraiser?
Follow Jaflong Tandoori on Instagram or Facebook — we announce each community appeal and fundraising event there — or get in touch if you would like us to support your cause.