Aussie NFPs Come to Nepal’s Aid

The Australian Not for Profit sector has geared up to support the people of Nepal after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake killed more than 4,000 people over the weekend.

Some of Australia’s best-known charities were quick to respond to the disaster, organising for funds to be sent to aid workers on the ground in the capital Kathmandu.

Officials said that at least 4,000 had been confirmed as killed in the earthquake and another 6,500 had been injured.

UNICEF Australia launched an emergency appeal for donations.

UNICEF Nepal staffer Rupa Joshi said the earthquake was the worst he had ever experienced.

"The shake was like nothing I have experienced in my 57 years. It was strong and it shook for a long time. Many people fear Kathmandu will have very a high death rate. Fortunately, today is Saturday so schools were off and the quake came in the daytime,” Joshi said.

“When I went out in the evening, I saw many people preparing to camp out in the main open parade ground in the middle of the street. Relatives were crying in the main government hospital where the dead were being lined up in front of the hospital building.”

UNICEF Australia International Programs Manager, Felicity Wever, said the organisation was extremely concerned for children who are most vulnerable in a disaster.  

“UINCEF is well positioned to respond immediately and we are doing everything we can to work with government and partners for an immediate response,” Wever said.

“Child protection is our main priority and we’re doing everything we can to meet children’s immediate needs in the areas of water and sanitation, child protection, health and nutrition.”

World Vision Australia CEO, Tim Costello, said the earthquake was the worst to hit Nepal in 80 years.

Costello said there were 200 staff already in Nepal and a team of international disaster specialists would also be on hand to help co-ordinate a response aiming to help 100,000 people.

“As the full extent of this enormous tragedy emerges, every minute counts. We must act immediately to save lives and help those who are suffering. This is a huge disaster and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” he said.

"Our prayers go especially to vulnerable children who have lost loved ones, or have been separated from their parents, and whose worlds have been shattered."

“Our staff will be working closely with the Government of Nepal in assessing the needs of survivors and rapidly starting relief efforts. World Vision is already arranging for the urgent dispatch of emergency supplies through its strong logistics network.”

Meanwhile ACNC Commissioner Susan Pascoe  warned that donations to unregistered charities may not be used for their intended purpose.

"We encourage anyone who wants to donate to help those affected by the Nepal earthquake to give to an established humanitarian charity. These charities have the skills and experience to ensure donations go to where they are most needed,” Pascoe said.

“You can use the Charity Register to find these charities and contact them directly using the details listed on the Register.

“We also advise anyone who is not sure about how to help, to read the Australian Council for International Development’s (ACFID) guidelines on how to donate to overseas emergencies. The ACFID recommends cash donations as they are more effective in allowing aid agencies on the ground to respond to needs as they are identified.

“Australians are renowned for their generosity, donating billions of dollars to charity every year. Unfortunately, as we have seen recent natural disasters like Cyclone Pam and the New South Wales floods, there are scammers prepared to take advantage of the public’s generous nature. By giving to a registered charity, people can protect themselves and their donations.”

Australian charities accepting donations for the Nepal relief effort include:

UNICEF

To donate click here or call 1300 884 233.

World Vision Australia

To donate click here.

Red Cross Australia

To donate click here or call 1800 811 700.

Save the Children

To donate click here.

CARE Australia

To donate click here.

ShelterBox

To donate click here.