Turning Compassion into Action: A Look at Successful Fundraising for Nepal’s Flood Relief
When Disaster Strikes, Community Responds
In September 2024, Nepal was hit by devastating floods and landslides, leaving entire villages submerged, homes destroyed, and thousands of families displaced. The sheer scale of destruction was heartbreaking. Communities we’ve worked with for years—people we’ve broken bread with, trekked alongside, and supported through past initiatives—were now facing unimaginable loss.
At Trek Relief, we knew we couldn’t stand by. Alongside our trusted partner, The Small World, we launched an emergency fundraising campaign to deliver direct aid and long-term recovery support. What followed was a testament to the power of grassroots fundraising, personal storytelling, and global solidarity.
This is the story of how one fundraiser, Tamera Bedford, turned her deep connection with Nepal into over $4,000 in life-changing support and how you can do the same for causes close to your heart.
A Personal Appeal That Made an Impact
Tamera has been traveling to Nepal since 2014, forming lasting relationships with the people and places she encountered. When the 2024 floods struck, she couldn’t sit back. She wrote a heartfelt message to her friends, family, and social network, explaining the crisis, her long-standing ties to Nepal, and why their support mattered:
" I’m reaching out to you because of something very close to my heart.
As you may know, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in Nepal for years now. In the fall of 2014 I first travelled there with my family and friends to do a trek in the Langtang region. The following spring there was a major earthquake which killed over 9000 people.
Since then I’ve partnered with a couple of NGOs to try to continue to help people there. I’m currently working with Trek Relief, an incredible nonprofit that combines the spirit of adventure with meaningful humanitarian work (https://trekrelief.org).
In September tragedy once again hit Nepal. There were devastating floods which killed hundreds of people and left thousands homeless. I’m heading there in a few days to provide on-the-ground support helping people recover from their losses.
It would mean the world to me if you could consider making a financial donation, any amount counts, to help Trek Relief, and our Nepali partners The Small World, assist people in rebuilding their lives.
Here is the link to donate:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/c9ae7702-dbda-4f20-9fa6-818c0e7d744d
You can also learn more about what I’ll be doing there and see a message from Candice Young, who is the founder of Trek Relief. She is one of the most caring, positive, and genuinely giving people I’ve ever known. It’s an honor to be able to support her efforts and I would be eternally grateful if you would join me in doing so with a donation of your own. It would mean the world to me if you could join me on this journey.
Thank you for considering being part of something that is so special and meaningful to me.
With love and gratitude,
Tamera"
She leveraged her personal experience, shared her story, and directly asked for donations. The response was overwhelming—people who had never been to Nepal felt connected to her cause through her words.
Within weeks, she raised over $4,000, helping to provide:
Emergency relief supplies (food, blankets, clean water)Temporary shelter for displaced families
Long-term recovery support through well restoration and sustainable rebuilding efforts
Tamera’s success was not an accident—it was the result of a powerful, personal appeal combined with effective fundraising strategies.
The Power of a Personal Appeal
Tamera’s story resonated deeply, connecting her network to a crisis happening thousands of miles away. Within weeks, she had raised over $4,000, helping to provide:
Emergency relief supplies – Food, blankets, clean water
Temporary shelter – Safe housing for displaced families
Long-term recovery support – Well restoration and sustainable rebuilding efforts
Her success was not a coincidence—it was the result of a deeply personal appeal, combined with effective fundraising strategies.
How to Craft a Successful Fundraising Campaign
If you’re considering launching your own fundraising campaign—whether for Trek Relief or another cause—here are five key takeaways from Tamera’s efforts:
1. Make It Personal
People donate when they feel connected to a cause.
Share why the mission matters to you
Describe your personal experience
Use photos and videos to bring your story to life
2. Offer a Clear Call to Action
Provide a direct donation link
Explain how each dollar helps (e.g., $25 provides clean water, $100 helps rebuild a home)
3. Use Multiple Platforms
Share your campaign across social media, email, and direct messages
Different platforms help reach different audiences
4. Create a Sense of Urgency
Frame the fundraiser as time-sensitive—"The need is immediate, and every day counts."
Set short-term goals—"Help me raise $1,000 this week!"
5. Express Gratitude & Show Impact
Thank donors individually and publicly
Share real-time updates—"Your donation just helped rebuild a family’s home."
How You Can Get Involved
Trek Relief’s work is only possible because of people like you. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, or donating, you can play a role in creating meaningful change.
Join a Volunteer Trip – Experience firsthand the power of travel with impact.
Support Our Work – Your donations help fund life-changing initiatives worldwide.
Start a Fundraiser – Use your voice to rally support for a cause you believe in.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you donate, fundraise, or volunteer, your support helps us continue our work. Thank you for being part of the Trek Relief journey.
Together, we can turn compassion into action.
