Nepal Earthquake Appeal

April 2015
On 25th April 2015, a devastating earthquake hit Nepal. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake, the worst in the country’s history, struck at 11:56 am leaving over 8,000 people dead, injuring more than 23,000 with hundreds of thousands left either homeless or displaced.

The epicenter was just 200km east from the Stand By Me Children’s Homes in the City of Hetauda, where the charity have cared for needy children since 2010. Early reports stated properties in Hetauda, including the Stand by Me girls home, had suffered severe damage, with many of the children and staff sleeping in tents in the compound. Upon hearing the dreadful news, the charity committee at FSL immeadiately got to work on an internal appeal to raise much needed funds. In just 2 weeks, the staff, with company matching, raised £700 towards the appeal – enough to provide food and shelter for 25 families.

By 30th April 2015, Stand by Me have provided relief aid to over 150 families in the neighboring villages of Khairang providing them with tents, foam mattresses and essential food supplies to last 2 weeks. As the earthquake hit during the Easter Holidays, many of the children from the Girls’ Home were visiting their families in the mountains, where 90% of their homes in the area were destroyed.

After the initial relief aid was provided, Stand by Me announced their plan to begin re-building the homes in Khairang! The 50 new earthquake resistant homes would cost just £700 each and are required urgently before the monsoon season makes temporary shelter more difficult.
To date, Stand by Me has raised £96,564, just £3,436 short of their target. More information about the appeal can be found on the Stand by Me website https://standby.me/projects/nepal-earthquake-appeal.