We are all aware of the tragic earthquake that hit Nepal. And while there are a plethora of organizations to donate to, we wanted to clue you in on one that we have always admired.
Kathmandu-based outdoor apparel manufacturer Sherpa Adventure Gear has created an earthquake relief fund called “Help Sherpas Help Nepal” to support aid to remote villages affected by the disaster.
The company and its facilities in the Kathmandu valley were spared the wrath of the earthquake, which has left thousands and counting dead and millions without shelter and basic necessities.
Sherpa Adventure Gear has committed to initially raising $75,000 (they are already at $50,000) through the campaign and 100% of the money raised will be dedicated to direct relief efforts thru Sherpa Adventure Gear’s existing network in villages, where the company underwrites the education of Sherpa children through its charitable Paldorje Education Fund.
As Tashi Sherpa, founder and CEO of Sherpa Adventure Gear, wrote, “100% of your funds will go for immediate relief on the ground through our Paldorje Education Fund network-already set up to benefit the children of Sherpa families in remote villages. With each day, the death toll rises, along with the need for water, tents, and medicine. We believe this is the wisest way to bring support where it does the most good, working through our contacts in each community. This is not the kind of adventure anyone seeks, but we are determined to see it through, no matter how long it takes.”
Sherpa and his colleagues are acting on the ground from Kathmandu to arrange for immediate supplies of tarps, water purifiers, sanitary supplies and more to be brought in from India by road. It has also appealed to its network of contacts in the greater subcontinent region to supply what they can in the way of urgently needed water, health and sanitation supplies and temporary shelter.
About the need in remote areas, Tashi wrote, “The village people are in desperate need of help now and later. The devastation in many areas is so complete that it will take years and years to recover and rebuild.”
“There is much we can do together to help,” he added. “We can reduce the pain of the present and help to ease the future for those who need to see hope.”
In the highest reaches of the Himalayas, the Sherpa people lead the world in mountaineering with warmth, grace and good humor. Tashi Sherpa-upon discovering that his uncle was on Sir Edmund Hilary’s celebrated 1953 expedition to the summit of Everest-founded Sherpa Adventure Gear in 2003 in this spirit, to honor his people by creating the best quality outdoor apparel made in Nepal. The company employs hundreds in Kathmandu and Nepal at its headquarters, stores and manufacturing operations. Marketing and North American sales and distribution is based in Kent, Washington. A portion of every sale benefits the education of Sherpa children through the Paldorje Education Fund, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable arm the company established in May 2012. For more information, visit their site here.
Please visit the Sherpa Adventure Gear site to make a donation.
Images in slide show courtesy of John Burcham
