The recent success of international comedy show Just For Laughs Bermuda has paid dividends for local charity, The ISIS Foundation, through the work of the Kathmandu Kids Club.

This week, Just For Laughs’ organiser and chief chuckler Richard Simon handed over a cheque for $12,000 to Club officials.

Organisers had hoped to donate up to $10,000 in part proceeds from the four shows in January that saw international comedians Alonzo Bodden, Rocky LaPorte, Jeremy Hotz, John Heffron and Frank Olivier, along with Bermudian star Nadanja, reduce packed houses at the Fairmont Southampton to fits of laughter.

“But the event was such a success, we’re delighted to be able to give an even bigger donation to such a worthy cause,” said Mr. Simon. “Many of the comics were so impressed by the cause that they donated money themselves directly to the charity.”

Bermuda-based Kathmandu Kids Club, formed last year, supports the work of The ISIS Foundation, helping children in serious need in Nepal, a country ravaged by poverty and war.

Club members also helped out as volunteers each night at Just For Laughs. Mr. Simon said the success of the event — the first of its kind in Bermuda — means there will be another Just For Laughs Bermuda show later this year and added that there had also been interest in staging similar shows for corporate events.

“We’re definitely going to do this again this year,” he said.

Club chairman Kim Carter said: “The Kathmandu Kids Club is extremely grateful for the generosity of Mr. Simon and the Just For Laughs Bermuda team. Our team really enjoyed working with Just For Laughs Bermuda and thoroughly enjoyed the event itself.”

Karen Esdale, Finance Director of the Kathmandu Kids Club, said the money raised from Just For Laughs had already gone directly to the ten ISIS children’s homes in Nepal. “This is one of the biggest projects ISIS runs in Nepal, looking after 136 children, and the money has gone where it is most needed. A sum such as $12,000 goes a long, long way in Nepal — $10,000 will pay for all the food, clothing and medical expenses for one home for a whole year, while $3,000 will fully support one child for a year.”

The ISIS Foundation’s mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of children in the developing world, primarily through health and educational programmes in Uganda and Nepal.

For more about Just For Laughs Bermuda, visit www.comedyevent.bm or call 292-7232.

To learn more about the Kathmandu Kids Club and The ISIS Foundation, log onto www.kathmandukidsclub.com or www.isis.bm.