Fundraiser for devastated friends in Nepal
(Bhumlutar Village, Kavre District)
80% of houses destroyed or severely damaged
BHUMLUTAR, NEPAL EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISERS
The April / May earthquakes in Nepal caused widespread damage and devastation to many remote areas. While Nepal no longer features in the media, they still need LOTS of help to rebuild their villages - and lives. I've decided to give directly to Bhumlutar village in Kavre District where many people died and 80% of homes were destroyed. It is also the home of my very dear friend Achni Dev and his family. 100% of any donations go directly through Achni Dev to the villagers of Bhumlutar. Read below to find out more. Contact me if you would like to make a donation. I hope to have a donation page set up shortly.
Here's what we have collected so far through 3 community fundraisers in Golden Bay, New Zealand:
Here's what we have collected so far through 3 community fundraisers in Golden Bay, New Zealand:
May 2015
Donation 1: NZ$450 Friends from Golden Bay |
June 2015
Donation 2: NZ$927 Village Fundraiser - Dal Baht, Sweets & Nepali Masala Chia
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August 2015
Donation 3: $1590.10 "Beyond The Edge" Movie Fundraiser - Story of Sir Edmund Hillary
**Extra special thanks to Natascha and The Village Theatre and to Rialto Distribution for making this possible!**
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Here's an article from the local newspaper (page 2) explaining a bit more about the movie fundraiser --->
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WHY I WANT TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF NEPAL
I spent 18 months in Nepal between 2008-2014 and never have I departed from Nepal without feeling some sense of apprehension about leaving “home”. Despite having such little physical and material possessions, the Nepali people often give everything and anything they can without apprehension - the last scoop of sugar for a hot cup of Nepali chia, a precious egg from a chicken, or their wool blanket on a cold Himalayan night. I have built a deep personal and spiritual connection with many Nepalis who have helped me to understand and appreciate true meaning of generosity, love and kindness. Now it is time to give back.
Between adventures, I spent a lot of time at an ashram near the village of Banepa and built a strong relationship with a very dear friend of mine named Bhupal Kharel (“Achni Dev”) who was a disciple at the ashram. Achni Dev was always a shining example of happiness, positivity, and generosity. No matter the task or chore (milking the cows, preparing tea, massaging the gurus, chopping wood) Achni Dev was always smiling, and his happiness was infectious. We spent many days together learning and teaching and sharing and I truly consider Achni Dev "mero bhai" (in Nepali, my little brother). We have stayed in close contact through the years and I now want to help some of my beautiful friends in Nepal.
I spent 18 months in Nepal between 2008-2014 and never have I departed from Nepal without feeling some sense of apprehension about leaving “home”. Despite having such little physical and material possessions, the Nepali people often give everything and anything they can without apprehension - the last scoop of sugar for a hot cup of Nepali chia, a precious egg from a chicken, or their wool blanket on a cold Himalayan night. I have built a deep personal and spiritual connection with many Nepalis who have helped me to understand and appreciate true meaning of generosity, love and kindness. Now it is time to give back.
Between adventures, I spent a lot of time at an ashram near the village of Banepa and built a strong relationship with a very dear friend of mine named Bhupal Kharel (“Achni Dev”) who was a disciple at the ashram. Achni Dev was always a shining example of happiness, positivity, and generosity. No matter the task or chore (milking the cows, preparing tea, massaging the gurus, chopping wood) Achni Dev was always smiling, and his happiness was infectious. We spent many days together learning and teaching and sharing and I truly consider Achni Dev "mero bhai" (in Nepali, my little brother). We have stayed in close contact through the years and I now want to help some of my beautiful friends in Nepal.
When Achni Dev became 18, he left the ashram to seek higher education and worked for 2 years carrying bricks part-time at construction sites in Nepal to pay for his education at Tribuvan University. He carried bricks during the day. He studied at night. Sometimes he carried bricks at night too. I helped him bridge the financial gap for the final year of his studies so he could obtain his degree. He returned to his village of Bhumlutar (about 2 1/2 hours drive East of Kathmandu in Kavre District) and become a teacher. He was married several years ago and has started to raise his family in Bhumlutar.
In the weeks following the earthquake Achni Dev sent many emails and photos showing the devastation in his village. Some Golden Bay friends and I decided to make a donation and directly help Achni Dev and his family. We sent $450 by electronic transfer and within days I received emails from Achni Dev detailing all of the villagers who he was able to help with the funds we sent through, not just his family. In the true spirit of a cohesive Nepali village, Achni Dev used the donation to help provide old widows, young orphans, and homeless villagers with tarps, mosquito nets, food, medicine, and medical help. He purchased rice and dal for villagers who lost their homes and their food supply. He became a beacon of hope in his home village of Bhumlutar during this time of need and desperation.
Achni Dev with his family and some local children in the days following the earthquakes:
Achni Dev with his family and some local children in the days following the earthquakes:
Extent of damage to homes and buildings in Bhumlutar (slideshow):
A slideshow made for the movie fundraiser
(explaining the fundraiser and the help we have provided thus far to the village)
How We Are Helping
Bhumlutar / Golden Bay (NZ) Friendship School
Thank you everyone for your generous donations!
The Bhumlutar / Golden Bay (NZ) Friendship School opened May 12, 2016
There are almost 90 students now attending the school
The teacher is Achni Dev (see right) - the amazing man who made this school a reality
We are still hoping to provide the following:
Cooking and eating room for morning dal baht and tea for students
Pots, plates, and tea cups for school
Composting toilet and ablution block for children
Bamboo flooring
Books, chalkboards, pens, pencils, teaching supplies
Salary for Achni Dev and 1 more teacher
Cow or buffalo for milk, ghee and dahi (yogurt)
Solar lighting
Thank you everyone for your generous donations!
The Bhumlutar / Golden Bay (NZ) Friendship School opened May 12, 2016
There are almost 90 students now attending the school
The teacher is Achni Dev (see right) - the amazing man who made this school a reality
We are still hoping to provide the following:
Cooking and eating room for morning dal baht and tea for students
Pots, plates, and tea cups for school
Composting toilet and ablution block for children
Bamboo flooring
Books, chalkboards, pens, pencils, teaching supplies
Salary for Achni Dev and 1 more teacher
Cow or buffalo for milk, ghee and dahi (yogurt)
Solar lighting
Golden Bay Friends of Nepal is now a registered New Zealand charity (Reg #: CC53344)
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School construction photos
School is open as of May 12, 2016!
Every bit helps and 100% goes to Nepal