In less than a week, Himalayan High Treks' (HTT) Nepal Relief Fund has raised over $10,000 in aid for those effected directly by the April 25th Himalayan earthquake. Some of the money has already been wired to Nepal and put to work setting up emergency shelters, temporary classrooms and donating trekking gear to Nepalis who lost their homes.
The tourism industry in the region has come to a halt. This means that there is no income being generated in these communities for emergency repairs as well as basic necessities. It will be some time before this sector sees the usual number of travelers and this source of income return.
Effie Fletcher, Founder and Director of HHT has been in direct contact with her Nepali staff regarding their needs. She says, in an update about HHT's Nepal Fund, “Even though all our staff is safe, many of them suffered property damage and loss of wages due to canceled and interrupted treks. Our plan is to get them working to help others who are in even greater need." In Kathmandu, HHT's Nepal Manager Amber Tamang surveyed the staff and prioritized what needs to be done most urgently. He is in the process of obtaining supplies and helping our staff and their communities.
Tamang says on Facebook, “We feel fortunate that HHT has an owner like Effie who has helped us to be responsible guides and staff… This post is for expressing gratitude and sharing facts to all you special people... Namaste!”
Himalayan High Treks and Dharma Journeys have facilitated hundreds of peoples' visits to Nepal. For over 25 years, our Nepali staff have been kind and remarkable caregivers to all of our travelers. They and their communities now need our help. Our fundraising goal is $108,000, an auspicious number in Buddhism. We are asking others to partner with us in this relief effort.
Contributions can be made by credit card at www.gofundme.com/HHTnepalfund. Send checks to Himalayan High Treks, 241 Dolores Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.