How to Help

Another family from our corner of the world (southeastern BC, Canada), the Doells, is also raising awareness and funds/items for the people of the Tsum and of the Solu Khumbu area, and will be in Nepal at the same time, though in the Solu Khumbu. Together, it is our intent to raise awareness, to show multi-media presentations after our return to Canada, and to continue to raise money to assist these people whose plight is very real.

Here's how to help send items and money to the people of the Tsum for the March trip:

1. You may make a donation of small light articles that a poor family living in the mountains of Nepal would appreciate. Examples are:
* bandages, guaze, ointment, antiseptics and other first aid items.
* nail clippers, small scissors, small soap, facecloths, water treatment tablets, hankies, bandanas.
* eyeglasses or sunglasses you no longer use.
* small, healthy snacks, energy bars, etc.
* kids' (or adults') gloves, mitts, socks, hats, warm underwear - new/ used, but in decent shape.
* pencils, sharpeners, crayons, small light notebooks, etc.
* toothbrushes and toothpaste, waterbottles.

2. Make a cash donation - even $10 or 20 can go a long way there; it can be used for food, farming supplies, building, schooling.

3. If you want to add a personal touch to this project, we are trying to amass as many large-sized Zip-lock bags as we can fit into a backpack, to distribute to families in the Tsum.
Here's what you can put into a bag:
* any of the items listed above - as much as you can get into one, plus a little cash would be good to help the family (to be converted into rupees).
* a brief message (that we would get translated) toa family, for example, "we hope these articles will be usefultoyour family, from the Bradeys of Nelson,BC, Canada". You could also describe yourself (or family) or go into some details if you like, such as "I'm a schoolteacher", etc...
* a photo of yourself and your family to add that personal touch.
* we, in turn, will take a photo of them receiving their bag, and document whose bag went to which family (by a numbering system).

All articles collected will be distributed to the inhabitants of the Tsum Valley with as much equanimity as possible, with the assistance of the local people and organisations that are also trying to assist here. If we see people along the way, from Kathmandu to the Tsum, who are equally in need of assistance, we will also distribute items as required.

Our focus is on the Tsum, and because it is so remote, and only recently even heard of by most, it receives very little outside assistance. Because of droughts and massive crop failures last year, the situation is currently very bad indeed.

If you are interested in making a small donation, which would have a great impact, please call Chris or Brian at 250-226-7107 or email tonepal@live.com. We have some drop-off points in the Nelson- Slocan Valley areas, and can collect too!! The Doells have been collecting tuques (in their Tuques for Everest campaign) and other items in the Rossland-Trail area. You can also use snail mail!! P.O. Box 48 Winlaw, BC V0G 2J0

Thanks. Namaste and Tashi Delek (greetings in Nepali and Tibetan respectively)