The City of New York and Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City Launch Relief Effort to Support Victims of Earthquake in Nepal

May 11, 2015

$50,000 ALREADY RAISED THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION FOR A BETTER NEW YORK AND THE RUDIN FAMILY FOUNDATIONS

As Search & Rescue Operations End and Rebuilding Begins, NYC Nepal Relief Effort Urges New Yorkers to Help Support Basic Needs of Millions in the Region

NEW YORK - The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City today announced that it is raising funds for victims of the tragic earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25. The Mayor’s Fund has already collected $50,000 in initial support for the New York City Nepal Relief Effort from the Association for a Better New York and the Rudin Family Foundations.

As the focus of relief efforts in the region turns from search and rescue operations to securing shelter, food, clean water and sanitation services for the 8 million people who have been affected, the Mayor’s Fund is calling on New Yorkers to donate to the effort. All donations received will be directed to New York City-based Nepali community nonprofit organizations, such as Adhikaar, The Gurung Society, and other reputable international humanitarian organizations working with affected communities in Nepal.

“New York is ready to come together and do what we can to help the millions in Nepal and Tibet who are struggling to endure in the face of such widespread and unexpected devastation,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New York City has the largest Nepalese community in the United States, and while many of them wait for news from family and friends overseas, I know that they can count on the people of this city to stand up and help lighten their load by contributing to the recovery effort.”

“During moments of need, the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers’ charity truly shines,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, Chair of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “We have received significant initial support from generous New Yorkers, and I hope that many more who have been moved by this tragedy will give. With such a massive and costly recovery ahead, every dollar counts.”

“The ABNY Foundation and the Rudin Family Foundations stand alongside the Mayor’s Fund and the City of New York in support of the ongoing relief work in Nepal,” said Bill Rudin, Chairman of ABNY. “We urge our fellow New Yorkers to join us, as there is still much work to be done to assist in the rescue and recovery of those impacted by this terrible earthquake.”

“Though our work is often focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our city, the Mayor’s Fund has always been committed and proud to help coordinate and export the civic goodwill of our city’s private sector partners and everyday New Yorkers – and we are proud to step up again in the face of enormous and immediate need confronting the people of Nepal,” said Darren Bloch, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

According to the United Nations, of the 8 million people who have been affected in Nepal by the earthquake, 3 million are in need of food and 2.8 million have been displaced. Twenty-five million dollars has already been raised by the United States nonprofit sector to address the disaster caused by the earthquake. The United Nations is appealing for at least $415 million to support the recovery.

“In times of tragedy, New Yorkers come together to help those in need,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, we must all do our part to help support the millions of people who have been impacted by this disaster. I encourage all New Yorkers to rise to the occasion and show the compassion we’ve demonstrated so many times before by contributing to recovery efforts and supporting the New York City Nepal Relief Effort.”

“New York City is truly the planet’s most global city; it is home to communities with connections to every country in world. This means our city often shares in the triumphs and tragedies of other people and places wherever they might be,” said Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs. “This local to global connection also means New Yorkers are among the first to offer a lifeline in times of need. As the City works with our Nepali community to help their loved ones back home, it is important that any help offered reaches the most vulnerable. That’s the central aim of this effort.”

“Our heart goes out to the thousands of people impacted by this tragedy,” said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs. “And we call on all New Yorkers to help us support our Nepalese community during this difficult time. I applaud the Mayor’s Fund for this tremendous fundraising effort, as well as the many New Yorkers who are stepping up to help their neighbors and friends.”  

“As recovery and relief efforts continue, the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit will continue to support New York City’s Nepalese community in its efforts to aid those impacted by this devastating earthquake,” said Marco Carrion, Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office Community Affairs Unit. “The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit is committed to connecting New York City to the international relief efforts underway.”

“When disasters such as Sandy or Katrina in the U.S., the tsunami in Asia, or the earthquake in Haiti struck, the Nepali community in New York gave generously for relief and rebuilding efforts,” said Ashok Gurung, co-Founder of the Gurung Society, co-Leader of the Hamro Nepal Initiative and Senior Director of the India China Institute. “Now, the tragedy has struck in our homeland, Nepal, and we are asking fellow New Yorkers to give generously for relief and rebuilding efforts for those affected by this disaster.”

“The Mayor’s Fund is to be commended for initiating a fundraising effort that will make a positive difference to so many people in Nepal who are greatly suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck their country over two weeks ago. As someone who has seen our city come together on behalf of Haiti, Japan and the Philippines after each nation was devastated by a natural disaster, I know that the Nepalese community will also experience the great generosity and compassion of all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Mathieu Eugene.

New Yorkers who wish to contribute to the effort should call 311 or visit the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City website at nyc.gov/nepalrelief. New Yorkers can also send checks payable to the NYC Nepal Relief Effort by mail to: 

Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
253 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10007

The Mayor’s Fund will be accepting donations to the Nepal relief effort through the end of May.

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City:
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, chaired by First Lady Chirlane McCray, is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization that facilitates high-impact public-private partnerships throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The Fund leverages individual, philanthropic, and corporate partnerships to support public programs advancing key Mayoral and agency priorities. The Fund is focused on supporting public programs in areas including mental health, youth workforce development, immigration and citizenship, domestic violence, financial empowerment, and support for young men and women of color. To learn more about the Mayor’s Fund, visit nyc.gov/fund.

The Association for a Better New York:
The Association for a Better New York, chaired by William C. Rudin, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those that live and work in New York City and for those that visit. We bring together hundreds of the city’s finest citizens and organizations in the joint commitment of finding solutions to the challenges facing our city, and highlighting the best New York City has to offer. The ABNY Foundation was created to provide funds for social, educational, and civic initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the five boroughs of New York City.