Nepal earthquake relief fundraiser organized by Calgary man

A Calgary man whose daughter was stranded in Nepal after last weekend's 7.8-magnitude earthquake is organizing a fundraiser to help the relief efforts.

The massive quake has so far claimed the lives of 5,000 people.

Rick Hilton's daughter Stephanie was in Pokhara, a town 200 kilometres northwest of Kathmandu, out on a lake when the disaster struck. She was in the area to hike the famous Annapurna Circuit.

"It was actually the safest place for her to be," he said.

Hilton says his daughter is safe and he has been told a plane is expected to get to Pokhara soon to start evacuations.

"Hours before the quake hit, she was sitting at Durbar Square [in Kathmandu], she took a picture of a temple … within 12 hours, it's dust," he said. "So she was really lucky to get out of Kathmandu."

Hilton, who is the artistic director of the Calgary Improv Guild, is organizing a variety show to help the Red Cross raise funds Nepal's recovery.

Comedian Colin Mochrie will headline the show at Jack Singer Concert Hall on June 2 at 8 p.m.

"Because he's coming, his face will get this thing kick-started," Hilton said. "A little bit of comedy, a little bit of music. We've got much feedback from local artists. Loose Moose and Green Fools Theatre have stepped up already."

All the proceeds will go to the Red Cross relief fund. Tickets will go on sale in the next 10 days, Hilton said.