An outdoor apparel company helps rebuild the nation it calls home.

By Jahla Seppanen

Sherpa Adventure Gear explains that although its footprint may be smaller than the Columbia Sportswears and Adidas’ of the industry, they like to think their heart is just as big.

Photos courtesy Sherpa Adventure Gear

The Made in Nepal outdoor apparel company, which displays on the Main Show Floor at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market along with some of the biggest brands in the industry, has raised $204,162 (April 25 through July 6) through its education nonprofit arm, the Paldorje Education Fund, to provide relief for those affected by the April 2015 Nepal Earthquake.

From Kathmandu to Everest base camp, the earthquake devastated the entire country of Nepal. Each day, the death toll rose, along with the need for water, tents and medicine for survivors. Sherpa Adventure Gear jumped in to raise money and provide immediate relief, with 100 percent of donations going to help on the ground. Starting only a few days after the earthquake struck Nepal, Sherpa was able to reach more than 11,000 individuals in need of support.

“When the earthquake struck, offering relief was in many ways a natural extension to the work we have already been doing.” -Kate Hourihan

Sherpa’s Paldorje Education Fund network was already established prior to the disaster, to benefit the children of Sherpa families in remote villages. Sherpa Adventure Gear Marketing Coordinator, Kate Hourihan explained in an exclusive interview with SGB, “When the earthquake struck, offering relief was in many ways a natural extension to the work we have already been doing.”

In 2009, Sherpa Founder Tashi Sherpa established the Paldorje Education Fund, and ever since, a portion of each garment sold has gone directly into this fund. We have also always focused on creating jobs in Nepal and improving communities, families, and lives with year-round jobs and quality working conditions.”

Sherpa Founder Tashi Sherpa

Via local contacts in each community, Sherpa has been able to provide earthquake relief “where it does the most good,” the company said. “This is not the kind of adventure anyone seeks.”

Offline donations have amounted to more than $50,000. In the latest release compiled by the company, reported combined funds distributed were $85,176, broken down to $9,353 for assistance to other relief organizations and satellite partners, $36,848 for goods distributed, and $38,975 in direct monetary financial aid.

Goods distributed have included temporary shelters, food supplies, medical supplies and other accessories like solar flashlights, water carriers, ropes, dry bags and children’s toys.

“Sherpa Adventure Gear is inextricably tied to Nepal and its people. Without Nepal we would not exist.” – Kate Hourihan

The outdoor brand’s efforts to rally generosity have proved successful; however, Sherpa has not ended its giving back. Next steps include continuing to raise money and source supplies to help people all throughout Nepal. The brand also plans to work with retailers worldwide, creating programs that help rebuild and restore earthquake zones.

“We certainly feel that any company, or individual, that is able to effectively respond to a disaster should feel compelled to,” said Hourihan. “Compared with most outdoor brands, we were uniquely equipped to help in this particular scenario, so there was no hesitation. We had staff on the ground in Nepal and the means to provide shelter, food and water directly to those in need.”

Kate Hourihan

What has been most surprising to Sherpa during its relief efforts is the sheer resiliency of the people of Nepal. Although personally hit with devastating repercussions from the earthquake, they are willing to step in and help others. “We are also pleasantly surprised to feel the support of our customers and the outdoor community, who stepped in immediately with generosity and sympathy. We started out with a goal to raise $30,000 and within days this goal was surpassed,” said Hourihan.

Now, six months following the disaster, Sherpa reports that Nepal is slowly returning to normal. But despite the relative stability, Sherpa’s efforts will continue by promoting tourism in the Himalayas, and empowering local people with job and education opportunities, along with training to rebuild their communities. Horihan made it simple, saying, “Sherpa Adventure Gear is inextricably tied to Nepal and its people. Without Nepal we would not exist.”

As of early October, Sherpa’s Crowdrise.com crowd-funded site raised more than $153,331 and counting. Sherpa’s Crowdrise.com campaign can be found here: https://www.crowdrise.com/helpsherpashelpnepal