Benefit concert in Burglengenfeld: Help for Banana Island after typhoon

Benefit concert in Burglengenfeld: Help for Banana Island after typhoon

In September 2024, the devastating super typhoon “Yagi” left a trail of destruction in Southeast Asia that also touched the hearts of people in the region. A remarkable initiative to support those affected comes from Lan Huong Nguyen, a former student at the Burglengenfeld secondary school who now lives in Vietnam. Together with the committed local publisher Julia Krempl from Maxhütte-Haidhof, they are committed to helping the people who are suffering from the consequences of the typhoon.

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the benefit concert “Beats for Banana Island” will take place at the VAZ Burglengenfeld. The event is supported by a variety of artists, including Hannes Ringlstetter, Susi Raith & Die Spießer, and many more. The evening will be moderated by Schmarrnkerl & Funkerl, who will ensure an entertaining atmosphere.

A personal commitment

Julia Krempl experienced the dramatic effects of the typhoon first hand through personal reports from her friend Huong. This painful story begins in 1999, when Huong and her family had to return to Vietnam after almost ten years in Germany. Despite the distance, the two women remained in touch over the years. When Julia learned about the devastating conditions in Hanoi's surroundings, she immediately knew that she had to take action. “I have to help Huong!” was her first thought, and so she started a private fundraiser through social media.

Huong himself is active on site and helps people who lost their belongings in the flood. She takes care of the animals and supports the clean-up work. “Hello from Vietnam” she says in the videos that she regularly sends to Julia. Her education in Germany helped her work as an English teacher in Vietnam, which allows her to care for those around her.

The fundraising campaign has already brought in over 2,500 euros and many people, including old school friends and strangers, have taken part. Julia Krempl is overwhelmed by the support: “It’s impressive how many people are committed to this campaign.” Musician Susi Raith also reached out and offered her support, which encouraged Julia to organize the concert, even though she had no previous experience with such events.

The benefit concert “Beats for Banana Island” starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Entry is based on donations, so each visitor can decide for themselves how much they would like to give.

Lan Huong Nguyen has a special connection to Banana Island, where she rented a small piece of land to a vegetable farmer. The island, which lies on the Red River, is a place of poverty where many farmers live in simple dwellings. The typhoon not only destroyed their homes but also their livelihoods. The first donations from Upper Palatinate have already arrived, and Huong is distributing the money directly to those in need, which makes a big difference for many.

"People are on their own. It's important to give them a little starting help," emphasizes Julia Krempl. Anyone who would like to support the campaign can do so by attending the concert or by donating via PayPal.