Monks from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, one of the largest monasteries in Nepal, camp out in tents.

Saturday’s 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Nepal has caused widespread death and damage in the country that houses some of the world’s most precious Buddhist sites. News sites are reporting that the death toll has now risen above 3,000 and is expected to continue rising sharply

Tricycle has heard directly from people living in Kathmandu that they are spending a third night outdoors in makeshift tents while powerful aftershocks continue to roil the country. There are reports of shortages of tents, food, water, and medical supplies. 

How can you help?

Relief workers have told Tricycle that unless you live locally and can transport donated goods yourself, please send money, not items. They are also advising not to travel to Nepal right now to volunteer; unless you are a medical professional or engineer with a qualified aid organization, wait to fly over until the initial rescue period is over. Nonprofessional volunteer aid will be greatly needed when the news cycle moves on but Nepal and its people still require help.

Here is a list of qualified aid organizations with tried and true histories of disaster relief that are accepting donations for Nepal rescue work: 

1. UNICEF Canada

2. UNICEF Australia 

3. Australian Red Cross 

4. UNICEF UK 

5. British Red Cross 

6. New Zealand Red Cross

7. The Salvation Army

8. OXFAM GB 

9. OXFAM America 

10. American Red Cross 

11. CARE 

12. Mercy Corps 

13. Catholic Relief Services 

14. American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

15. Save the Children 

If you are interested in donating money to a Buddhist organization, these Tibetan teachers and monasteries have posted news and requests for donations:

Ani Choying Dolma 

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

Tsoknyi Rinpoche

Kyabgon Phakchok Rinpoche

Shechen—Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

 

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