On August 26, 2026, devastating floods and mudslides swept through communities in Nepal, taking lives, destroying homes, and leaving countless families with almost nothing. The flood and mudslide claimed the lives of over 2,000 people (at last count), and many thousands more have been left homeless, their villages buried in mud many feet deep.

For Pema and Nurbu Sherpa, owners of High Camp Taphouse in Sisters, Oregon, this tragedy was deeply personal. Pema's cousin, his wife, and his mother-in-law were lost when the flood swept away their home. His two daughters, only 12 and 15 years old, survived because they were away in Kathmandu attending school. In a single day, they lost their parents, grandmother, and home. Other friends also lost homes and loved ones. These losses not strangers or statistics. The flood hit family, friends, and communities loved by Nurbu and Pema.

They could not help everyone, but Nurbu and Pema decided to help the families they could reach. Nurbu and Pema, along with friends in Central Oregon, decided to band together to form Rise for Nepal. So far, this effort has raised and will distribute money to help soften the immediate blow brought by the floods. But equally important, Rise for Nepal now intends to help rebuild the lives of those who have lost the most. On September 15, Nurbu and Pema travelled to Nepal to personally deliver financial assistance to families in the affected communities who are facing the greatest need. Your donations will help provide immediate necessities such as food, temporary shelter, clothing, and support for families beginning the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. Then, as the longer term needs become clear, Rise for Nepal will devote the funds you donate to other projects.

Their first priority when they arrive will be to go where refugees are currently housed. They plan to meet with families and local leaders, and assess the situation firsthand. They intend to listen before making long-term decisions, to understand where your donations can make the greatest and most meaningful impact. In Pema’s grandmother’s village of Syabrubesi alone, we have learned that 28 children have been left without parents, a home, or both. One immediate need will be to help provide these children with stability, safe housing, education, school uniforms, food, and the support they need to remain in school. Keeping vulnerable children—especially girls—safe, supported, and educated is also an important part of protecting them from trafficking and exploitation.

While immediate relief—food, shelter, health needs, and basic necessities—was the first goal, it is clear that the greater goal will be to help people rebuild their lives for the long term. We, in the Rise for Nepal effort, have started thinking beyond immediate assistance. One possibility we hope to explore is the creation of a small community home that can provide a safe and supportive place for children as well as for mothers and vulnerable women rebuilding their lives after losing their homes, spouses, or livelihoods. We want the people who survived this disaster to help guide what comes next. This mission is not simply to provide relief for today—it is to help rebuild lives for tomorrow. Every donation will help us take another step toward giving a child an education, helping a mother regain stability, and giving a family or community the opportunity to begin again.

Central Oregon has embraced Nurbu and Pema and has become their home. Others back in the US are standing with them and have formed Rise for Nepal. On their behalf, I ask you to help bring hope to families who have lost so much. For those who receive their help, the impact will be tremendous. Every donation matters. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for standing with Nepal and helping us turn heartbreak into hope.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, shared our story, attended our fundraiser, volunteered, or simply stood beside Nepal during this difficult time.

Rise for Nepal