Kalona

A Kalona family is working to help people affected by the recent flooding in Nepal, which began on August 26.

Westside Petro owner Dawa Sherpa, who is originally from Nepal, hopes to raise awareness of the disaster and encourage community members to support the families affected by it.

Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah has encouraged donations to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. 

Sherpa is asking Kalona residents who wish to contribute to scan the QR code displayed on flyers that he hopes to place at businesses throughout the community.

“The main reason I’m doing this is to help more people learn about what happened,” Sherpa said. “Some may be missing someone and not know where to find information. Publishing it in the newspaper can raise awareness and help those affected.”

Sherpa’s children, Pasi, 11, and Ruben, 8, are also contributing to the effort. Each has pledged to donate $50 from their own bank account to help people in Nepal. 

Sherpa initially considered going door to door to collect donations. However, because that approach could create complications, he decided to distribute flyers at local businesses instead. Anyone interested in helping can scan the QR code with a cellphone and donate directly to the relief fund.

He noted that donations in U.S. currency can go a long way in Nepal because one U.S. dollar is worth approximately 150 Nepalese rupees. That means even a small donation could make a meaningful difference to someone affected by the disaster.

Both children said people should consider donating because of the number of deaths, the families who have lost loved ones and the many survivors who were left with very little following the flooding.

Sherpa said his family lived approximately 284 miles—or a 10- to 12-hour drive—from the disaster area.

“Our original home was in the far eastern part of the country, near the border,” he said. “We later moved south to a flatter area, although the region is mountainous and covered with hills.”

Sherpa further explained the distance between his family’s former home and the affected area.

“From our home to Trishuli City, which was swept away, it is about 284 miles—or roughly a 10- to 12-hour drive,” he said.

Sherpa said his relatives were not affected by the flooding and remain safe.

The flooding began on August 26. As of September 7, reports indicated that at least 1,355 people had died and 4,996 remained missing. The missing included hundreds of foreign nationals and dozens of Americans.

Sherpa and his children had recently returned from visiting Nepal. They arrived there on June 28 and stayed until August 7, leaving less than a month before the flooding began.

During their visit, the family saw relatives for the first time in six years. They also visited the mountains and enjoyed fishing, swimming, searching for crabs, kayaking, playing soccer and participating in several other activities.

Sherpa also described what everyday life is like in Nepal. He said the summers can be hot and most homes do not have air conditioning, although it is more commonly available in businesses.

Another difference is Nepal’s official calendar. While it is 2026 in the United States, Nepal is currently in the year 2083.

In addition to supporting people in Nepal, Sherpa believes the fundraising effort can teach his children about responsibility and the importance of helping others.

“I’m trying to get involved in community activities so younger people can learn the importance of giving back and helping others,” he said.

Sherpa said he wants his children to understand that having a successful life involves more than financial achievement.

“For me, I want them to make the most of their lives—not just by earning money, but also by helping their community and the people around them,” he said.

As Nepal continues to recover from the disaster, Sherpa hopes members of the Kalona community will join his family in supporting those affected.