More than $1 million has been given by REI members and co-op for earthquake relief and rebuilding since last year’s earthquake in Nepal. In recent months, REI has worked closely with local partners and community leaders to fund and coordinate the construction of the Everest region’s first disaster relief center in Namche Bazaar.
Once complete, the relief center will be stocked with essential supplies that can be accessed by the community in the event of a natural disaster. Local police and the Army prepared the site at no cost and local residents were employed for the construction.
“Our guide partners in Nepal are an important part of the REI Adventures family. For decades they have so warmly welcomed our members into their communities and homes. It’s our desire to help them and their communities be prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at them next,” said Cynthia Dunbar, REI Adventures general manager.
REI also provided funding to the nonprofit Nepal SEEDS that is focused on building new medical facilities, schools and residences. The funds will be used to repair and replace 100 residential and community biogas systems that REI Adventures funded in 2011 and that were severely damaged in the earthquake. Biogas eliminates the need for in-home wood fires for cooking, thus improving health conditions and allowing more time for farming and the education of children. The units also provide a community waste management solution and pathogen-free crop fertilizer.
Through all efforts to date, more than $1 million has been donated or granted by REI members, REI and LifeStraw.
This is an excerpt from an article first published by Adventure Travel news. Read the original article here.
