Leading UK and global Nepalese business associations have set up a fundraising partnership with Oxfam to support its life saving work in response to the earthquake in Nepal.
Non Resident Nepalese Association UK (NRA UK) and Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) are encouraging members, amounting to approximately 400,000 businesses, to donate to Oxfam’s emergency response.
The international agency aims to help an initial 350,000 people hit by the earthquake in Nepal, providing clean water, toilets and shelter to thousands of people.
Oxfam’s Fundraising Director Tim Hunter said: “Oxfam teams are working around the clock to reach the many people who need our urgent help. The faith that these business associations have put in us to deliver is testament to our experience and their support will help us raise the funds we desperately need to save lives.”
Oxfam is among 13 members of the DEC, which launched the Nepal Earthquake Appeal on Tuesday. It is working in four open air sites in the Kathmandu Valley - delivering water and building toilets. Over the coming days Oxfam will work with other agencies to provide clean water to 16 open air sites set up by the Government of Nepal and to provide food and shelter, while also expanding operations outside Kathmandu.
Oxfam has so far raised just over £2 million from the UK public – a fantastic initial response - but more is needed.
The UN estimates that 8 million people, more than a quarter of the population, have been hit by the crisis. So far, around 5,000 people are reported to have been killed with around 10,000 injured.
More than five tonnes of water and sanitation materials have been dispatched from Oxfam’s warehouse in Barcelona to help those hit by the crisis. Pit toilets are being constructed, clean and safe water has started to be delivered, and tarpaulin for temporary shelter has been provided.
An Oxfam response team from India is assessing the humanitarian situation in Gorkha, the hardest hit district. Oxfam is also carrying out a rapid assessment on what needs to be done to help people in Sindhupalchwok district.
Mahendra Kandel, President of NRNA UK, said: “Oxfam has an international reputation. NRNA UK was looking for a very strong, trustworthy, reliable partner to channel its funds. Due to Oxfam’s good presence and their expertise in Nepal, we decided to work with Oxfam. Our NRN community in the UK can also take advantage of the gift aid.”
