The recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake has left Nepal, a country that already struggles to meet the basic food and health care needs of its citizens, in a state of chaos and devastation. The death toll has surpassed 6,000 lives lost, and almost 14,000 people are reported injured (BBC News). Tragically these numbers are likely to rise, since contact has not yet been made with many remote areas.
The people of Nepal are in desperate need of support, and the Alberta legal community has a grassroots avenue through which to offer aid: Uphill Both Ways is an organization led by southern Alberta lawyer Murray Pritchard and his family.
Uphill Both Ways supports a number of local schools and the Siddhi Memorial Hospital in Bhaktapur. Janelle Pritchard, operating-room nurse and Murray Pritchard’s daughter, describes the hospital’s needs in a recent Metro news article. This hospital is in one of the hardest hit areas; they urgently require medical supplies, food, blankets, and temporary shelters.
Given the current transportation issues getting aid into Nepal, online donations will likely be the most effective, quickest way to provide aid (cheques add a delay in processing time). Local medical supplies are also being sought, to be transported to Nepal as soon as possible. If you have supplies to share, please contact Murray Pritchard at 403.329.1133.
This tragedy hits close to home for LESA’s Dawn Ofner, who visited Nepal with Uphill Both Ways last year. Dawn has received some photos from the Siddi Memorial Hospital that we share with you in today’s blog.
Please consider donating online to support those in critical need of our compassion, responsiveness, and practical help.
