He’s hit the $21,000 mark, but now there are concerns money for Nepal earthquake relief efforts could end up in the hands of corrupt government officials.
New Westminster resident Eoin White is fundraising for the network of Nepalese families that work with his Mount Everest trekking company, families that have lost their homes following two devastating earthquakes.
White, a retired Burnaby fire captain, said he’s heard concerns from his Nepalese contacts that relief funds are going into the government’s bank account, but he couldn’t confirm whether the information was rumour or fact.
“They have such a deep distrust of the government, they don’t trust them for anything,” White said.
White has raised approximately $3,000 through direct donations and $21,100 online, but his goal is $35,000. The money he collects will directly help the families he works with. White is hoping to the federal government will match his total.
“I’m in seventh heaven,” White said, overwhelmed by the donations pouring in from his contacts and complete strangers. Meanwhile, his contacts are homeless.
“Some don’t even have a tent to live in right now. They’ve lost everything and they have no income,” he said.
White is also holding a private fundraising party on Sunday, May 24, at his home in New Westminster. The parties are an annual affair, where White invites people to donate clothes for his Nepalese contacts. This year, he decided to raise money following the 7.8 magnitude quake that struck in April, killing thousands. A second quake, closer to Mount Everest, hit his contacts particularly hard.
There are only a few days left in White’s online fundraising campaign. To make a contribution, go to www.fundaid.ca/nepal.
