Nepal Earthquake Relief Efforts

We are deeply disheartened to see the effects of the recent earthquake in Nepal. Many of our dearest fair trade artisan groups work in Nepal and news of the damage has been trickling in from all of them. We are happy to say that so far no lives have been lost, but many have lost their homes and workplaces. Below is a list of the news we’ve received from our artisan partners. We will keep this post updated as we learn more.

We have also listed several areas where direct help is needed. In a situation like this, we all feel saddened and helpless being miles away, but there are definitely things we can all do to help. Fair trade relationships like the ones our artisans partners have help organizations respond quickly to natural disaster. Several groups are in positions to mobilize a relief effort on the ground, both with immediate help and long-term rebuilding plans. We have learned from our partners in Haiti, that after a natural disaster of this scale, once the immediate effects are remedied like food and shelter, the rebuilding process can be greatly furthered if the artisans have work. So our goal, beyond the immediate necessities, is to bring the artisan groups more orders so that they can get back on track supporting their families and rebuilding their lives.

To commemorate World Fair Trade Day on May 9, 2015 Fair Trade Winds and Momentum will contribute 15% of sales to Nepal Earthquake Relief.

News from our Nepalese Artisan Partners

Aid Through Trade (Roll-On Bracelets, beaded jewelry)

We want to let you know that our artisans based out of our studio in Kathmandu, Nepal are thankfully all safe and were not harmed by the devastating earthquake. Our owner and founder Damian Jones has been in Nepal for the last month working with our artisans, and was also there when the earthquake hit. He is also safe and will be returning to the U.S. this week.

Ganesh Himal Trading (felted products, paper, accessories)

The Baseri Health Clinic and surrounding village was destroyed in the massive earthquake today 4/25/2015. It appears no lives were lost but all structures are destroyed. We will be trying to see if the infrastructure exists to send food and emergency supplies to the village. Then we will begin to help them rebuild. 

Kumbeshwar Technical School (knitwear for WorldFinds, Serrv, Ten Thousand Villages)

Thank you to all of you who have asked about and shared concern for our artisans in Nepal! We have made contact with the founding family and thankfully they are all OK. News of all of the individual artisans is trickling in, but going to take a little longer. We are hopeful that we will receive more good news very soon, and promise to keep everyone updated.

Serrv (4 artisan groups: scarves, paper, knitwear, jewelry)

We have started to receive word from our four partners in Nepal and so far the central workshops seem to be intact but they have not been able to contact all of the artisans and their relatives. Sadly, the more they learn, the worse the news is. Milan Bhattarai of Get Paper Industry is on our Board of Directors, and has shared with us that he is already aware of 5 artisans who have lost their homes.

Mata Traders (clothing, jewelry)

At this point, we’ve received word from many members of our cooperative in the area that they are safe, though due to power and cell network outages communication is difficult and word is still coming in. Many have suffered losses in their extended families and there is extensive damage to their homes and communities.

dZi Tibet Collection (felted products, jewelry, chimes)

We are still waiting to hear from all of our 12 different producer groups. Some have been in touch to say they are safe but we don’t know yet about the full network of artisans and their families. So much is still not known, and looking ahead all of Nepal faces a serious challenge to return to normalcy.