Charity’s ‘Rebuild Nepal’ response continues on
When a devastating earthquake hit Nepal on 25 April 2015, Orphans Aid International responded immediately, both on the ground and from New Zealand, with its ‘Rebuild Nepal’ emergency appeal.
One year later, the charity has fulfilled its promise to fund food, water, shelter and education for hundreds of Nepali children, and is also on track with its long-term goal to rebuild a village.
Founder and CEO Sue van Schreven says, “Soon after the earthquake our team in Northern India received hundreds of Nepali people who were fleeing their rural villages to find safety, food and water over the border.
“Our immediate response was to help the children through a regular feeding and education programme, along with medical clinics, all based in a shelter just inside the Eastern border of Nepal. We are currently caring for approximately 40 displaced children on an ongoing basis.
“Alongside this programme, we have managed to supply tin and concrete for 37 of the 38 homes we identified as being needed in a village not far from Kathmandu.”
With a solid history of involvement in Nepal and Northern India since 2007, Mrs van Schreven says Orphans Aid International has also been busy building a school for refugee and orphaned children in Bhutan, which lies on the border between the two countries.
“I plan to return to Nepal in the next couple of months to follow progress there before attending the opening of our school, which is a hugely exciting milestone for our organisation.”
Orphans Aid International’s op-shops are also doing their part to support Nepal by stocking a range of winter gear, including hats, yak blankets, socks, gloves and pashminas, created by local Nepali crafts people who are trying to rebuild their lives while finding new ways to earn a living.
“The earthquakes not only destroyed people’s homes, but also many of their businesses, especially those who were previously relying on tourism,” says Mrs van Schreven.
“If you are close to one of our shops in Hawke’s Bay, Dunedin, Invercargill or Queenstown, please be sure to visit and purchase some toasty-warm Nepalese clothing before the winter season hits.”
Cash donations can be made through any of Orphans Aid International’s op-shops in Invercargill, Queenstown, Dunedin or Hastings, or online through Givealittle https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/rebuildnepal2015.

Donations can also be made through www.orphansaidinternational.org.nz and www.facebook.com/Orphans.Aid.International.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the warm response we have received from Kiwis to date, but urgent help continues to be needed as we plan to be in Nepal for the long-haul,” says Mrs van Schreven.
ENDS

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