Just one day after celebrating the 4th anniversary of the opening of Aama Nepalese Cuisine in Cochrane, Alberta, devastating flash floods struck Nepal. For restaurant owners Tara Poudel and Chef Gyanendra Sharma, both originally from Nepal, the disaster hit especially close to home.
“Being from Nepal and seeing all the damage and people suffering, it just makes our hearts cry.”
Determined to help, Tara and Chef G transformed concern into action.
On October 3, the area outside Aama Nepalese Cuisine was transformed into Everest Base Camp, while walking routes through Heritage Hills became 13 “summit points” representing the journey to the top of Mount Everest.
Their ambitious goal was to raise $50,000 to support families affected by the floods. But thanks to an overwhelming outpouring of community support, they absolutely smashed their goal and raised an awe-inspiring $127,000! A total of 109 trekkers took part in the event, while more than 250 people pre-ordered momos (a beloved Nepalese dumpling) to support the cause.
A ShelterBox display, staffed by ShelterBox Canada volunteer ambassadors, welcomed participants at the restaurant before they set off on their adventure. Trekking groups were led by volunteer Sherpas (guides) along the “Trek to Everest,” stopping at each summit point where participants contributed loonies and toonies to collection buckets along the route.
Support from the Rotary Club of Cochrane
Tara is a member of the Rotary Club of Cochrane, and when she shared her vision for this fundraiser, fellow Rotarians rallied behind her to bring it to life. Rotary Club members helped to promote, organize, and run the event, uniting to create lasting impact in Nepal.
ShelterBox Canada Volunteer Ambassador and Rotary Club of Cochrane President-Elect Allan Carr stepped up to help plan the event and oversee donations, ensuring the fundraiser ran smoothly from start to finish.
Club member Martin Parnell, an accomplished motivational speaker and marathon runner, served as Lead Sherpa. He welcomed trekkers at the starting point, paired groups with Rotary Expedition Leaders, and sent teams off on the 3.5-kilometre route every 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, ShelterBox Canada Board Member and Ambassador Kent Fraser, from the Rotary Club of Calgary Fish Creek, joined Ambassador Chris Scrupa in setting up the ShelterBox tent and information display. Throughout the day, they connected with participants and shared stories about ShelterBox’s work supporting families displaced by disasters in Nepal and around the world.
Read more about ShelterBox’s partnership with Rotary.
Community Helping Community
The devastating floods displaced more than 88,000 people across Nepal, nearly three times the population of Cochrane, Alberta. For Tara, the disaster was even more devastating as she saw roads and bridges she walked on as a child being washed away by the floodwaters.
But the response from the Cochrane community was a powerful reminder of the generosity that has supported Aama Nepalese Cuisine since it first opened its doors. Generosity that would now help people in need across the world.
“The Cochrane community has always supported us,” she shared. “When Nepal needed help, they showed up again.”
Support extended far beyond the event day. Alongside the fundraiser on October 3rd, community members participated in an online auction featuring unique experiences such as a momo cooking class and private dinners for up to 20 guests. Supporters also donated through an online fundraising page hosted by ShelterBox Canada, attracting contributions from across the Rotary district and beyond.
What began as a local fundraiser became a powerful example of communities helping communities. Thanks to the leadership of Aama Nepalese Cuisine, the dedication of local Rotarians, and the generosity of supporters near and far, the money raised will provide emergency shelter and essential aid to families rebuilding their lives after the floods in Nepal.
Inspired to make a difference?
The success of Momothon: Trek to Everest shows what can happen when a passionate idea is backed by a caring community. What started as a desire to help those in need grew into a movement that united local businesses, Rotary members, volunteers, and community members around a common goal.
You don’t need to climb a mountain to make an impact. Whether it’s a walk, a community dinner, an auction, a sporting event, joining as a volunteer, or a creative fundraiser inspired by your own passions, every effort has the power to change lives. By bringing people together around a cause that matters, you can help families around the world repair, rebuild, and return home after disaster.
If Tara, Chef G, and the Rotary Club of Cochrane have inspired you, we’d love to help bring your fundraising idea to life. Together, we can turn local action into global impact.
Click here to learn more about hosting a fundraiser and supporting ShelterBox Canada
Credit: Cochrane Eagle & Cochrane Now
