Sending Earthquake Aid from Sioux Falls to Nepal

A group of friends with ties to Nepal are now connecting over much more than common interests and culture, the group Friends of Nepal Dakotas is now hoping to help their friends and family back home who have been affected by the recent earthquake on Saturday April 25, 2015.

Four men from the group recently shared their concerns with KDLT news. Raj Bhandari remembers the moment he heard the news. "I was so worried. I thought my in-laws were gone. I thought my relatives were gone,"

As the news of rescue missions circulate from Nepal to Sioux Falls, it can be heart wrenching.  Him Acharya received troubling details. "I just got the news that one of my friend's whole family is missing. They had a four story building and it's all collapsed."

Being far from home is even more difficult and that's why the group has joined together to do what they can.  Devendra Dahal put his worries into action.  "We just couldn't stay and watch. We thought 'okay this is the time we need to do something'”

The group is focusing their relief efforts in the smaller communities in Nepal as much of the media focus has been on larger cities.  In less than three days, the group has raised more than $1,800 in donations.

Although their hearts are in Nepal, they are deeply touched by the outpouring of support in their new home of Sioux Falls. Dahal is grateful for the concern.  "It's overwhelming that people are supporting with big hearts."

Their goal is to raise $10,000 in the next two weeks.

You can donate by visiting their YouCaring page.