We are raising funds on behalf of our dear neighbours and friends, the Raina family, who are facing an unimaginable and devastating tragedy.

My name is Karolyn Jardim, and my family has been neighbours with the Raina family here in New Hamburg, ON for the past 15 years. Gireesh, Rama, and their three children—Vaishnave, Veer, and Urja—have been a valued part of our community and people we are grateful to call our friends.

On August 26, 2026, Gireesh Raina was on his journey home after completing a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. He was travelling with a group organized by the Isha Foundation, a non-profit spiritual organization, and was attempting to cross the border at the Chinese Immigration Center in Gyirong County, near the Tibet/Nepal border.

The group had just checked in at the immigration centre when catastrophic flash floods struck the area. According to the Isha Foundation, the trek coordinator notified them of their arrival at the immigration centre at 9:07 a.m., and the devastating flash floods hit the location just minutes later, at approximately 9:14 a.m.

Gireesh, along with approximately 80 other members of the group, remains missing.

While the uncertainty is incredibly difficult, we continue to hold onto hope for Gireesh’s safe return and keep him, the other missing individuals, and all of their families in our thoughts and prayers.

During this heartbreaking and uncertain time, we are asking our community to come together and support the Raina family. Rama is self-employed and is caring for their three children, Vaishnave, Veer, and Urja, while the family faces this unimaginable uncertainty.

The funds raised will help provide financial support for the family as they navigate the days and weeks ahead, including everyday living expenses and any unexpected costs that may arise during this difficult time.

No contribution is too small. Every donation, share, message of support, and prayer means more than we can express.

Thank you for standing beside the Raina family and helping remind them that they are not alone.