Pictured: Brittany and Noah Myers, on top of Gokyo Ri the day before the 2015 earthquake

After a life-changing journey to Nepal in April 2015, Global Rescue members Brittany Myers and her husband, Noah, will return to Nepal in April to visit the rural fair-trade carpet and cashmere weaving factory they raised money to support after last year’s earthquake.

“My husband and I experienced, firsthand, the beauty and unwavering generosity of the Nepalese people,” said Brittany. “But, tragically, we left behind a country devastated by the earthquakes. While this story is no longer front page news, much of the country is still in need of help. Many organizations have been involved in the efforts to rebuild Nepal, including clean water access, rebuilding homes and schools, and addressing other critical needs.  In all our research, we were not able find any that specifically aim to help small business, a crucial component of a sustainable Nepali economy,” she said.

In partnership with a small running studio in New York City, and generous donations from an elite running coach, one of the city’s finest DJs and a handful of local small businesses, the couple organized the Small Business Helping Small Business benefit run in late 2015.  They committed 100% of the proceeds to Chinchilamo Handlooms in the Sindhupalchowk District, one of the worst hit areas in Nepal.  The factory, which employed up to 200 people in the area, collapsed and many employees had to relocate their families to find work. The money raised will go toward reconstruction efforts and job creation for these local artisans. 

“While our benefit was small in scale, we are excited about the great potential there is in connecting a thriving small business to a small business in need in a country in crisis,” said Brittany. “We continue to be in touch with Chinchilamo Handlooms, and are considering ways to expand the Small Business Helping Small Business idea into year two.”

Read our original account of the couple’s 2015 Nepal trip: Honeymooners caught in Nepal earthquake turn to Global Rescue.