(ANS - Seville) - There are generous and various initiatives taken in Spain to help those affected by the earthquake in Nepal: the NGO "Jóvenes y Desarrollo", "Solidaridad Don Bosco" and "VOLS" -of the Salesian Province of Spain-Mary Help of Christians- are collaborating in the emergency work of the Salesians, through the "Don Bosco Network." In addition, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid had already sent €30,000 for emergency assistance to earthquake victims.

Through these three NGOs, the province of Seville has made known to the public several opportunities for those who wish to contribute their help. (See here)

All the aid will be channeled through the World Federation of Don Bosco Network, which in charge of the emergency response and of the protocol for collecting funds intended for the emergency relief and reconstruction in the devastated areas. Moreover, together with the other Salesian NGOs that form the Federation, they are collecting and channeling all the information coming from the Salesian communities in the country, to establish the priorities that will be addressed in the coming months.

Currently the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Nepal are coordinating to assist the population in the most rapid and harmonious way as possible. The religious also cooperate with the government, in specific areas, and with other religious organizations abroad to get materials into the country. The emergency work is guided by Fr. Jijo John, SDB of Calcutta, and his team have moved to the neighboring villages to distribute food and plastic sheeting to make tents.

Meanwhile, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid had already sent € 30,000 for the immediate assistance for the earthquake victims. Thanks to the generosity of donors and their quick response, the Salesians working in Nepal have been able to receive economic assistance that enabled them to help the needy population since the beginning.

But it was the whole Salesian Family around the world that responded, once again, with promptness and generosity. In addition to the Missions Office of Madrid, also the Salesian Mission Offices in Turin, Bonn, New Delhi and New Rochelle, as well as various foundations and Salesian NGOs of Austria, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Italy, Germany, Australia ... all participated in the first shipments of aid and will continue for as long as necessary.

A fund raising activity in favor of those who have suffered the worst damage from the earthquake was also launched by the students and teachers of the Salesian schools in Nepal. The money and goods collected will be delivered by the rescue team activated by the local Salesian Family.

Sources: Salesians of Seville, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid and Nepal Don Bosco.

Posted on 06/05/2015