Expat runs miles for earthquake relief efforts

By Saugat Kandel

In an effort to collect crucial funds to help with the relief efforts in Nepal, Nirakar Poudel, a Nepali expat living in Los Angeles, USA, has started a novel challenge called "Miles for Nepal Earthquake Relief". As part of the challenge, Nirakar is shooting to run 40 miles this week, and is asking the community to donate at least 1 cent per mile if he accomplishes this challenge. If he falls short, Nirakar promises, he will donate $1 per mile, or $40 to charity. This is only the beginning, Nirakar promised in a personal conversation with this author. He wants to take this challenge further, with more miles to run in the coming weeks. He is also trying to coordinate with other running events, sports companies, and other running enthusiasts. He is hoping to get more people involved, whether through similar challenges, or through sponsorships.


We, the One Stop Portal team, are amazed by Nirakar's dedication to this cause (40 miles a week!). We want to spread the word, get more people involved in this novel challenge. Please go "like" his page and donate if you appreciate his amazing effort, and please contact Nirakar if you are interested in collaborating with him, or in organizing a similar challenge. Help Nirakar keep up the good work!

The One Stop Portal team is cheering for you, Nirakar!

Here is a quote from Nirakar's "Miles for Nepal Earthquake Relief" page on Facebook:

Dear all,
So, I came up with the idea of this running fundraiser while doing some measurements in the lab yesterday. People have asked me how does this exactly work. I want to briefly explain how will it work. So, for the first week, I am claiming I will cover 40 miles. If I make 40 miles this week, then you guys can donate any where from 1 cent to any amount you want per my mile.If 40 miles is too short, I will shoot for 50 miles. If I fall short, I will donate $1/mile or $40 to the charity. However, if I do make it, you guys depending on your situation, can donate any amount to our fund raiser. In the mean time, II will try to coordinate with other running events here in Los Angeles, sports companies as well as running enthusiasts here to organize a short running charity event for fundraising.


We will all recover, rebuild and rebound together!

Nirakar