Helping You Help Nepal
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I'm a Nepal earthquake survivor. For anyone else that can also claim that statement, we know we are the lucky ones.
Over the past two months I've experienced first hand the beauty of this country and its people. I never would have imagined I would also have to watch so much of it crumble before my own eyes. It's difficult to describe the emotions of being in the presence of so much lost life. Especially in a country that interacts with kindness first. I've been to many parts of the world, but the humility, strength and unconditional kindness here is rare. What's even more telling is that even though the homes of these people broke around them, their gentleness and strength remained unshaken. Many sought refuge in their embassies, yet I huddled with these people under wet towels as the skies opened and the earth continued to shake for three nights. I was offered tea after a terrifying morning tremor. I was offered food even though no one knew when rations would run out. And I was offered a place to lay down when I showed up to camp at that parking lot alone. That was two weeks ago... And the earth hasn't stopped trembling to this very day.
I've spent the past 12 days working side by side with other foreigners and Nepalese people helping to start a grassroots organization called Operation Sahayoga or 'helping hand'. We raised close to $11k AUD that's continually being used for short-term aid. Thank you to the many friends and family that donated to those efforts. Know that every dollar is continuing to make a difference and 35% (your contributions) of those proceeds are in the process of being transferred here.
The funds raised here will be used specifically to support local and foreign individuals who have relief efforts that are personal in nature, but don't have the resources here on the ground to execute their plans. These are the stories I want to share with you. Not only will this help create awareness, but I can also show you just how far a few hundred dollars can go when targeting the right areas.
There is a very controversial caste system in place here and the delivery of supplies are getting stockpiled and not being distributed equally amongst villages. Many other relief efforts are just adding to the piles. The people also do not trust the government and we are finding ways to work around these obstacles. The first story I'd like to share with you is of a local woman named Sangita. Her and her partner Romi were the ones who I camped with for three nights after the quake. She approached me for help and I intend to do my best to empower her to make a difference in her community. She has such great ideas for how to work around these barriers of discrimination. She not only wants to get the supplies to people that need them, but to also help rebuild Nepal from the inside and empower the people to do what's right by all victims. I trust her spirit and ability to make a difference. There are not many women here with a strong voice as its a very male dominated culture. But I've sat in observation as she's navigated political barriers and gotten people to listen. Even elected officials.
I don't want to show you more destruction. We've seen enough. I'm not here to self-brand. I've seen enough of that too. So I asked that all work done here not be affiliated with group names or foreign organizations. Instead, the aid is being called exactly what it is - support from people around the world who believe in Nepal's ability to rebuild from the inside. We can make a difference. You can be a part of it.
If you have ties here in Nepal and would like to have us check on an area, just reach out and we'll see if we can help. If you are an organization that needs additional funding to get critical supplies somewhere, I want to help you too. As long as funds are available, they will be used where they will be most effective.
Below are the links to a few interviews I did for ABC Sunshine Coast in Australia if you're interested in hearing more about my story:
ABC Sunshine Coast - Australia - Jeff Bordey on Nepal Earthquake and Relief
ABC Sunshine Coast - Australia - Jeff Bordey on 2nd Earthquake
*Please note that this site charges a 5% commission on all contributions. They have committed this fee to al so go towards relief work, so anything submitted will 98% go towards helping here on the ground (2% transaction fee). Western Union has waved fees for funds sent to Nepal, so if you would prefer to send a contribution offline or do a transfer/wire, please contact me so we can coordinate.
