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Dearest Dharma Community and
Supporters of Gaden Relief Projects,
Best wishes for 2016!
On behalf of Gaden Relief Projects, I wanted to share some good news.
Gaden Relief Projects has just made a large donation ($8,000. CDN) to the Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) this past month to support their project for the reconstruction of Nepal after it's recent terrible earthquake.
GRP would like to thank all the people who generously and immediately donated funds to us this past year in order to send aid to the Nepali people who have suffered so much because of and who continue suffer, due to this tragedy.
GRP did its best to try to set up some kind of local project in Nepal that could best be of service. However, due to the many, many difficulties that stood in our way, these being a lack of infrastructure, political and organizational concerns there and the strict legal regulations and protocols to which we, as a registered Canadian charity, must abide, we simply could not get something up and running that would be proper, helpful and effective.
This being in mind, we approached TRAS, old community friends of ours and the Zuru Ling community (George Woodcock is my hero : ) ) to see about using our funds to support a recently created project of theirs in Nepal. TRAS is a longtime, longstanding and kind charity that helps people in the Himalayan region - and has been doing so since the early 1960's. George Woodcock started it himself and made it one of the first charities to help H.H. the Dalai Lama and Tibetans entering exile. With great work and trouble and the help of the University of British Columbia, TRAS was able to set up the infrastructure in Nepal necessary to create a project. TRAS is rebuilding latrines for the people of the Dolakha region. Although hardly a flashy project, they believe, correctly, that basic hygiene is the foundation of a healthy and happy community and the first step in any reconstruction. Proper toilets and sanitation prevent disease, suffering and death. What's more important than that?
TRAS is looking to raise $40,000. CDN to complete this project. Our donation really helped them on their way. We encourage people to continue to donate and help as best they can with this.
GRP is holding back some $1000 in raised funds as we are looking at one or two other charities who are currently working in the aid and reconstruction of Nepal. There have been many recent earthquakes and aftershocks that make this so needed work very difficult, challenging and ongoing. We will keep everyone updated with how we proceed with this.
Again, thanks to all of you who graciously donated to us. Your gift is helping the Nepali people right now.
Thank you,
Yours in the BuddhaDharma,
Matthew
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