Lachhu Thapa and Lou Nulley are passionate about increasing awareness for REACH for Nepal. Photo: Supplied.
As part of its commitment to support local businesses and the Canberra community, The RiotACT has thrown its weight behind local foundation REACH for Nepal to help them rebuild rural areas of the small Himalayan country devastated by an earthquake in 2015.
The not for profit foundation was formed in August 2015 to provide urgent practical and financial assistance to rural Nepalese communities which were affected by the region’s worst earthquake in 80 years.
The 7.8 magnitude quake and its aftershocks killed over 8,000 people, flattened villages and left thousands injured. It left Nepal without the resources to rebuild its villages and communities, which experts said would cost billions of dollars.
Founded by Canberra trekking enthusiast and yoga teacher Lou Nulley and Nepalese-born Lachhu Thapa from The Hungry Buddha restaurant in Belconnen, the REACH for Nepal Foundation looks to provide relief to the Nepalese people in rural and remote areas of the country.
The RiotACT co-owner and former CEO of Allhomes Tim White, met Lachhu Thapa and Lou Nulley in January and said he was very impressed with their professionalism, enthusiasm and the great work the foundation was doing.
Lachhu Thapa, who is a well respected small business owner in the Canberra community, felt that The RiotACT could provide assistance to increase awareness of all the great work the foundation is doing.
“We have completed around 10 major projects to date in Nepal and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people and businesses in Canberra who have provided their support in making this happen”, Mr Thapa said.
“The projects completed include the rebuild of half a dozen classrooms at a number of different schools, the reconstruction of a water tank 35 km from the earthquakes epi-center, enabling fresh water to the community, an amenities block, a fence around a school as well as the provision of school furniture, uniforms and bags.”
The REACH for Nepal foundation organises annual trips to initiate projects to rebuild the rural communities while participants take in the country’s beautiful mountain scenery.
The trips are very popular, with the two 12-person trips planned for this October quickly filling up.
They provide the opportunity for people to contribute in a very real and practical way to deliver on the objectives of the REACH for Nepal foundation; to rebuild, educate and assist the children and rural communities, and overall, to give hope to Nepal.
“Many people who participate in these trips describe the experience as being one of the most rewarding in their lives,” Mr Nulley said.
“It is not often people have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others by helping them at so many different levels. And the Nepalese people are so grateful for what we bring to their communities, so it’s a great outcome for everyone,” he added.
The foundation has formed connections with the University of Canberra, Canberra Grammar School and other Canberra institutions and is planning trips and ways to support Nepal with them.
This provides an incredible opportunity for Canberrans to provide vital aid to the country nestled at the base of the Himalayas.
REACH for Nepal is hosting its annual gala fundraising event on the 18th September at the Albert Hall. More information on how you can assist the foundation can be found on their website or email info@reachfornepal.org.
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