Global Action Nepal, a Bath-based charity that support communities in Nepal’s poorest regions, has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response of local people following the recent earthquake.
The ‘Rebuild Nepal’ fund has raised nearly £10,000 since Sunday night, and donations are continuing to pour in from Bath and across the UK.
Money from the fund will be used to pay for long-term rebuilding projects in schools and communities in some of the areas that have been most seriously affected by the quake.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response of local people to our fundraising efforts – people have been incredibly generous,” said Chris Sowton, GAN’s founder and chairman.
“The stories, pictures and statistics coming out of Nepal are shocking, and it seems people are feeling compelled to do something to help.
“Even the smallest donations in Western money have the potential to make a huge difference to helping to rebuild the country.”
For twenty years, GAN has funded work in schools and communities in Nepal – from enabling more children to go to school and training local teachers, to running women’s groups and educating communities on vital health issues.
Sowton continued: “Given the chaos of what has happened over the last few days, we have not yet been able to evaluate and assess the state of the schools and other project areas that we work in.
“However, since GAN has many project sites in Lamjung (the epicentre of the earthquake), and in Kathmandu and its bordering districts, we expect the situation to be a grave one, and we anticipate that in addition to the human loss, many homes, schools and other community buildings will have been destroyed.
“The money we are raising with this fund will be provide critical support when it is most badly needed.
“We’re hoping for more donations over the coming days, and will be keeping everyone who has donated up to date with our progress.”
Global Action Nepal will be launching a specific fundraising campaign aimed at Bath in the next couple of days, including a postcard campaign , an active presence at the Larkhall festival and visits to local primary schools, including Bathford Primary and St. Andrew’s Primary.
