COVID-19 Relief 2021
THE POWER OF COMPASSION
Sponsored by: Thrangu Monastery Charity Foundation & Thrangu Care Volunteer Team HK
Organised by: Thrangu Phende Clinic, Namo buddha, Kavre
Supported by : Karma Kagyu Ex-Sangha Association Nepal
We began our journey from Kathmandu and our first stop was Gorkha, a journey that took us nearly four hours. There, at Gorkha Bazaar, we purchased the necessary relief supplies: 200 sacks of rice, 600 kg of lentils, 200 kg of salt, and 200 liters of cooking oil. With the supplies loaded onto two trucks, we set off towards Sulikot village.
Traveling during the peak of monsoon season presented significant challenges. The roads were in dire condition due to continuous rainfall. Despite the difficult circumstances, we persevered and managed to reach Sulikot after a three-hour drive from Gorkha.
Unfortunately, the relentless rain had hindered the villagers' ability to make their way to the ward office and collect the relief aid. Consequently, we had no choice but to entrust all the relief supplies to the village's committee, leaving them at the village ward office.
Though the circumstances were beyond our control, we remained resolute in our commitment to support the community. It was our hope that the committee would efficiently distribute the relief aid among the villagers, ensuring that those in need would receive the necessary assistance during this challenging period.
Preparing Lunch on the way
Myagdi District via Pokhara Baglung Highway
After making a stop in Beni Bazaar to purchase the required relief rations, we encountered severe road conditions. To overcome this obstacle, we decided to hire two tractors and two jeeps, and continued our journey towards the Annapurna village area. However, due to the challenging circumstances, it was already dark by the time we arrived. Undeterred, our team swiftly organized the relief ration, consisting of rice, lentils, and cooking oil, into packages for approximately 350 families.
Collaborating with the head of the village ward office, we efficiently distributed these packages to the villagers, ensuring that they reached those in need. Through effective teamwork and coordination, we were able to fulfill our goal of delivering the relief rations to the villagers in the Annapurna area.
POKHARA
After our journey from the Annapurna village area, we embarked on a 10-hour drive to reach Pokhara. The following day, we visited Sangam Tole, where we joined forces with local members to distribute relief aid to 40 families.
TASHI PALKHIEL - TIBETAN RUFUGEE CAMP, HEMJA
Prakriti Tole, Slum Area
Upon receiving information that locals in the area were facing difficulties in accessing relief aid during the pandemic, we decided to extend our support further. In addition to the previous distributions, we allocated an additional 50 sacks of rice to be distributed in the community.
With the assistance and collaboration of the locals and community members, we organized the distribution of the rice. Through our joint efforts, we aimed to address the immediate needs of the community and provide them with essential sustenance during these challenging times.
The collective effort and cooperation between our team, the locals, and community members enabled us to successfully distribute the additional relief aid. It was a testament to the power of unity and the willingness to support one another in times of crisis.
After leaving Pokhara, our next destination was Surkhet district. We embarked on the journey around 3 pm, anticipating a 12-hour drive. However, our progress was halted when our vehicle broke down near Agha River in Palpa. To compound matters, it was midnight and the rain was pouring down relentlessly.
We contacted a mechanic who informed us that they would reach our location in approximately two hours. In that time we prepared food for us. By the time the mechanic repaired the jeep, the sun had already risen.
Resuming our journey, we faced a remaining nine-hour drive from Agha River to reach our intended destination.
Surkhet,Birendranagar
In Surkhet,Birendranagar, we arranged our relief aid operations at Pema Sane Chyaelina Gumba. There, we distributed relief aid to approximately 65 families in need.Through our efforts, we aimed to alleviate the hardships faced by the families and bring them some relief during their difficult circumstances.
Our next destination was Sajha Ghar Nepal, an orphanage for young children. We continued our journey and arrived at another similar establishment called Nawa Jiwan near Khajura.
Recognizing the importance of supporting vulnerable children, we extended our efforts to Nawa Jiwan. Our focus shifted to providing assistance and care to the children residing in this orphanage.
On our way to our final destination kalikot, Manma village
After leaving Birendranagar, we embarked on a lengthy journey of approximately 8 to 10 hours towards Kalikot. However, due to the late hour and darkness, we made the decision to spend the night in Kalikot Bazaar.
Recognizing the importance of rest and ensuring our safety, we prioritized finding suitable accommodations in the bazaar area. This allowed us to recharge and prepare for our upcoming activities and relief efforts in Kalikot, Manma.
Kalikot, Manma, village
After a 2-hour drive from the bazaar, we reached the end of the road, where our final destination, Manma village, awaited us. To reach the village, we embarked on a 4-5 hour hike, accompanied by many of the village's younger children and adults who eagerly assisted with the distribution of relief packages.
The hike itself was a delightful experience, offering captivating views of hills and streams along the way, showcasing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Upon our arrival, the locals warmly welcomed our team. Prior to our visit, we had established coordination with the Oda Foundation, whose assistance proved invaluable. Together, we successfully distributed relief packages to nearly 400 families in the village, ensuring that much-needed aid reached those who required it.
Through the combined efforts of our team, the local community, and the Oda Foundation, we were able to make a meaningful impact in providing support and relief to the village residents.
