In the wake of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, BAPS Charities has contributed five disaster relief grants in support of rehabilitation efforts totaling $135,000. Direct Relief, One Heart World-Wide, the Nepali Embassy, UNICEF, and the United Nations’ World Food Program USA (WFP) are the five chosen organizations, thus far, to have received funding. The partnerships were chosen with the aim to provide the most fundamental human needs during a natural calamity:  food, shelter and medicine. UNICEF had contacted BAPS Charities within hours of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that a left massive devastation in the capital city of Kathmandu and surrounding areas. After coordinated fund-raising efforts by volunteers throughout North America, a $30,000 check was presented on May 13 at UNICEF headquarters in New York City. Praful Raja, a Director at BAPS Charities noted, “Our longstanding partnership with UNICEF has provided for the development of children around the world during times of disaster, ensuring that their growth will not face significant setbacks as countries work to rebuild.” The next day, on May 14, BAPS Charities presented Direct Relief with a check for $25,000 at Direct Relief headquarters in Santa Barbara. The funds are earmarked for X-ray machines and ventilators that will be used to examine and treat patients suffering from crush wounds, limb loss, and broken bones, as well as urgent, life saving medication. Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief, hosted volunteers from BAPS Charities on a tour of the organization’s headquarters and stated, “BAPS Charities clearly understands the need of service, not only locally where their locations are based, but also in far off areas of the world. On behalf of Direct Relief, we are truly thankful for this support.” Shortly after, on June 2, BAPS Charities supported One Heart World-Wide with a grant of $25,000 to provide care for pregnant women and newborns in the most severely damaged areas of Nepal. “On behalf of the women and children in Nepal, we are grateful for the generosity of BAPS Charities at this very difficult time. You have my deepest gratitude,” said Arlene Samen, Founder and Executive Director of One Heart. New and expecting mothers, as well as their infants, are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, as they require specialized care that is not always immediately available in relief periods. BAPS Charities selected One Heart World-Wide as a grantee to help meet the needs of these women and children. BAPS Charities provides for relief efforts around the globe, and works with existing government frameworks to determine avenues for aid. BAPS Charities granted the Prime Minister’s Defense Fund at the Embassy of Nepal with a relief contribution on June 21. Support of the embassy ensures that the government relief infrastructure receives the resources needed to maintain operations. The Embassy of Nepal has requested funds to address the most pressing issues facing victims in the various districts. The latest gift was contributed to World Food Program (WFP, USA) on July 9 in the amount of $30,000.  BAPS Charities aims to support innovative and dynamic organizations, like WFP, looking to deliver aid through efficient means. WFP has teamed up with trekking organizations to enlist the help of 20,000 porters — many of whom have lost homes, family members and the trekking season — to repair trails and carry much-needed supplies to remote communities in the mountains. Their expertise has been vital. BAPS Charities is honored to be able to provide support for Nepal earthquake relief efforts. Funding is made possible by the generous contributions of hundreds of BAPS Charities supporters and volunteers who stepped forward to help. BAPS Charities has a long-standing commitment in aiding disaster relief and rebuilding

services across the world. In the past BAPS Charities has actively helped the victims of North India Floods 2013, Philippines Typhoon Haiyan 2013, Haiti Earthquake 2010, Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011 and 9/11 Memorial and Museum to name a few.  For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org.

About BAPS Charities

BAPS Charities is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to sincerely serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer-hours of service annually. Among social service charities, BAPS Charities is a well-respected and trusted name. It has amassed over 50 years of firsthand experience in initiating, managing, and sustaining 160 humanitarian operations throughout the world in such diverse fields as: medical services, environmental services, community services, tribal services, and disaster relief services. For additional information on BAPS Charities and its international and local philanthropic activities, please visit www.bapscharities.org