Nepal Villagers' Earthquake Fund

Shakun Sherchand Leslie, a Nepali fashion designer and political activist, founded a social welfare group for marginalized communities more than ten years ago to give back to Nepal. As a successful business woman Shakun worked with craftspeople all over Nepal for decades and developed a unique network. Her spouse, Keith D. Leslie, was head of the well respected Save the Children in Nepal (1987-2006). Now in the face of the unfolding tragedy after the earthquake on April 25th, Shakun has been overwhelmed by requests for aid from people from seriously affected villages from many districts of rural Nepal. With her unique pre-existing network of social activists already on the ground, she asks anyone who would like to get funds directly to the most needy to support her efforts. Through her registered NGO, Shakun is able to get urgent aid to needy villagers on a priority basis. With increased funding she can help more people in this hour of need and in the weeks and months to come. We will keep this page updated with photos and information about the relief work your funds directly provide the vulnerable people of Nepal.


This GoFundMe was created by Joanna Donovan in Madison, WI. I resided in Kathmandu, Nepal for many years and currently own and operate a fairtrade business highlighting the amazing silversmiths of the Kathmandu Valley. Within hours of the earthquake the desire to be in Nepal helping was overwhelming for me and many people outside of Nepal who call Nepal home or at the very least, a second home. Many of us here is the US with close ties to Nepal searched for on-the-ground relief efforts with no over head to send our financial assistance. On April 27th, Keith sent out a request via Facebooks to family, friends and others for funds to assist Shakuna's relief work. As Keith is very well respected, his fb message was shared widely. Keith requested that donation to be sent to his wife's non-governmental social welfare organization's bank account. Unfortunately, bank to bank transfers to Nepal can cost up to $70. This GoFundMe is an effort to consolidate all of our donations to minimize (or possible eliminate) bank fees and to hopefully reach others outside of Keith and Shakuna's personal circle to assist in their on the ground immediate efforts.

Thank you to gofundme for donating their well deserved 5% fee from all gofundme campaigns collecting funds for Nepal earthquake relief efforts. I am requesting that wepay also donate all fees collected to earthquake relief efforts.