AID FOR ARTISAN ESSENTIAL OIL PRODUCERS IN NEPAL

Written in 2015.

At Absolute Essential we are still reeling from the news of the recent earthquakes in Nepal. 

Connecting with this peaceable land 

Our connection with this peaceable land has been deepening over the years in outlying rural areas where wild Wintergreen is harvested by women’s worker co-operatives; organic Lemongrass is being grown to specifications we have developed with local farmers; and our latest sustainable paper source is crafted from a women’s lokta paper collective. 

Travelling to source new materials and to visit distilleries has always ended up feeling something like a pilgrimage. My experience of the land and its people always gives me so much to be grateful for. 

And so it is with anxious hearts that we wait now for news of friends and workers in the area hit by the second quake and we continue to busy ourselves with the practical task of finding ways to contribute towards securing their wellbeing and the rebuilding of their lives. 

Our pledge 

We have set up our own pledge for 10% of all May online sales to start a fund, open also to customer donations. 

No administration charges will be subtracted and all aid will be sent direct to village leaders via our contacts in Nepal. 

While anyone can choose to give to the more established organisations, our funds are going directly to these smaller, provincial communities, where the delicate balance of sustainability has been so thoroughly derailed. 

We have so far sent over $1000 NZ to our local contacts, all of which has been put to direct, practical use: 

• 750kg rice 
• 100kg rice flakes (no cooking required) 
• 120kg dhaal 
• 60L cooking oil 
• 30kg salt 

It seems like a drop in the ocean but we are committed to keeping up the effort for the long haul of rebuilding village infrastructures and restoring livelihoods, which means the call for support will be on-going, as will our own promise to sustain fundraising efforts. 

I will be funding my own trip to Nepal in the near future to begin a series of reports on our communities - to see where the aid is going and where funds can be best utilised. 

If you feel the need to reach out too, then please join us and start a fundraiser in your area to support the cause. 

We are hoping to start a list of events and creative initiatives from the wider Absolute Essential community that will contribute to raising funds for immediate and long-term recovery. 

Remember that 10% of all Absolute Essential online sales this month will go directly to where it is needed most - no administration charges taken away, and delivered through our contacts to local community leaders. 

Make a personal donation here: 

If you would prefer to make a personal donation you can do so by direct bank transfer: 

Bank Account: 12-3489-0000172-00 

Particulars: Nepal 

Reference: Your name & email (optional but nice so we can keep you up to date) 

 We will send out updates whenever we can to let you know how we are helping our communities. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] if you would like any further information. 

Thanking you kindly on behalf 

Dr Bo Hendgen D.O N.D A.M