Nepalese Students' Initiative to Help Earthquake Victims of Nepal

Photo Submitted

NANA members (from left to right) Ashim Khadka, Paras Pradhan and Binod Regmi handing over the raised funds to Julie Lolley of American Red Cross

The Nepalese Students Association of Northwest Arkansas has raised a total of $8,517.17 to help earthquake victims of Nepal. This amount is excluding the online donations that were made directly through American Red Cross and other charitable organizations. The majority of the funds raised ($7,065.49) has been donated to the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of American Red Cross and another portion ($1,451.68) to Health Foundation Nepal.

On April 25 at around 11:56 a.m. Nepalese Standard Time, Nepal experienced a devastating earthquake with a 7.8 magnitude. This was followed by a series of aftershocks that have remained active till this date. Exacerbating this tragedy, there was another major tremor on May 12 of 7.3 magnitude. These catastrophic events have claimed more than 8,600 lives, and many remain homeless or are living in make-shift tents.

In the wake of this heart-wrenching disaster, the Nepalese Students Association of Northwest Arkansas organized the following events:

• April 29: Information sharing about the impact of earthquake and fundraising event on campus
• April 30: "Food for Charity" event in collaboration with International Students and Scholars at the University of Arkansas, Chartwells Dining and American Red Cross; Candlelight vigil "Prayers for Nepal"
• May 1: Fundraising event on campus
• May 2: Information sharing about the impact of earthquake and fundraising event at Fayetteville Downtown Farmers Market and Bentonville Downtown Square

The student association and the Nepalese Community of Northwest Arkansas would like to thank all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university and everyone from the NWA community who have been involved directly or indirectly in their efforts to help the victims. Your continued support and prayers will help instill hope for the affected victims and their families.

For more information, please contact Paras Pradhan at ppradhan@uark.edu.