UF Nepalese students organize fundraising effort for quake victims

May 21, 2015

UPDATE: A second earthquake hit Khanalthok harder than the first one did. (see top right image) Thankfully, no one was hurt, but people need help repairing houses that were structurally compromised and replacing livestock that was killed. The Engineers Without Borders-UF Nepal Team has created a website specifically for this effort. You can do your part by visiting http://nepal-uf.blogspot.com/.

UPDATE: Rosha Poudyal, a UF College of Medicine graduate student and citizen of Nepal, has created a new fundraising effort for her home country. Details can be found at gofundme.com/twsqps.

The University of Florida Nepalese Student Association is coordinating a fundraising drive to help victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on Saturday.

Members have sent about $3,000 from their personal savings via Help Nepal Network and are working with Student Government to set up an account where people can donate in the days to come, said Saroj Parajuli, association president.

“The road to recovery will be long and arduous; however, our perseverance and the kindness of our friends and neighbors will get us through. Anything you can give now will go towards saving lives and taking care of the injured,” Parajuli said.

Beginning today and continuing through Friday, the association will table at Turlington Plaza and the Reitz Union North Lawn to raise money. Members will be at those locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

In addition, a candlelight vigil to honor earthquake victims is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday at Turlington Plaza. View the Nepal Candlelight Vigil Schedule.

On social media, the association has created #GatorsHelpNepal and the Twitter handle @GatorsHelpNepal.

Parajuli suggests anyone wishing to donate to the relief effort also consider the following options:

Help Nepal Network

http://www.helpnepal.net/

It is a local organization that is helping out on ground. All donations are tax deductible.

American Red Cross

http://goo.gl/nYIKd3

$10.00 is the minimum online donation. All donations are tax deductible.

ANMF: American Nepal Medical Foundation

http://americanepalmedicalfoundation.com/ 

Click on “Please Donate here” to be redirected to indiegogo website.

(Focusing on coordinating efforts to link medical professionals from around the world to on-the-ground teams to maximize the impact)

Brother’s Brother Foundation

https://brothersbrother.org/donationform/

Please designate to Nepal Earthquake Relief

(Pittsburgh-based non-profit partnered with Himalayan HealthCare)

Oxfam America

Nepal Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund

https://secure2.oxfamamerica.org/page/content/nepal_earthquake/

(Preparing for rapid response to ensure food and water reaches those in need)

World Vision

http://www.worldvision.org/

Nepal Earthquake Relief

(Focusing on immediate needs including providing first aid kits, sleeping mats, blankets and jerry cans; temporary shelter; and protection for children)