We had a break with tradition where we decided to have a RunForFunds run during the Sundown Marathon 2015 held earlier in July.
Adrian's 21km Half Marathon effort was a fruitful run and I am happy to report the reason below:
a. My Half Marathon Results
Thanks to your prayers and encouragement, I completed my comeback 21km run on 5th July in "a world record time" of 2hr 35 min without back pain or cramps.
Managed to finish 1859 out of 7195 participants.
Must admit I'm surprised with the ranking as many ah peks overtook me!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable run and, if you have not tried it, give it a shot!
Below are my results and pic taken at the 20km mark :-)
b. Your Overwhelming Support
Your support for RFF's initiative to rebuild 2 villages in Nepal is overwhelming.
The target was S$9,200.
As of 16th July 2015, we have pledges totaling S$12,775!
If we include the private fund-raising round in May of S$4,300, close to 50 RFF supporters contributed in excess of S$17,000!
This will make a significant direct impact to the 100+ families in Nepal (see updates below).
On behalf of these families, Bharat and I extend our thanks and gratitude.
c. Funds Deployed So Far
I have made 2 wire transfers.
S$4,300+ in May 2015 (private round - Phase 1a, equiv US$3,200 / 325,440 rupees) and S$9,200+ (RFF for Nepal round - Phase 1b, equiv US$6,800 / 687,820 rupees ) in July 2015.
See attached pic of the bank statements (need to blank out personal details).
I will hold the excess funds in the RFF account for future deployment - see paragraph (f) below.
d. Phase 1a (26-28 May 2015)
Click on link below for photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.321132038001372.79440.293969844050925&type=3
Since May, Bharat and his friends have been working tirelessly and resiliently to co-ordinate the purchase, delivery and distribution of zinc plates to his hometown Gorkha.
As there was a lot of uncertainly in zinc supply and availability of delivery trucks, Bharat had to remain patient and vigilant to secure the best deals expeditiously.
The supply route to Gorkha was perilous and fraught with problems, as the pics show, because the earthquake destroyed the roads.
Despite these obstacles, Bharat and his friends managed to navigate the route safely.
Bharat secured 61 zinc sheets which were not enough to supply to 100 families in Gorkha. He prioritized 52 families: 2 zinc sheets to 9 families (widowed, old couples and the disabled) and 1 zinc sheet to 43 families.
These new zinc sheets augment salvaged scraps.
Nothing goes to waste in their home rebuilding efforts.
The total expenses (prepared by Bharat) are shown in the table below.
As you can see, our S$4,300/US$3200/325,400 Rp transfer was insufficient. My friend Rina and her supporters provided additional funding to cover the deficit.
| S/No |
Descriptions | Qty | Rate | Amount |
| 1 | Zinc (Size 7 ft HQ)(High Quality) | 30 | 7,500 | 225,000 |
| 2 | Zinc (Size 9 ft HQ) | 18 | 8,000 | 144,000 |
| 3 | Zinc (Size 7 ft MQ)(Medium Quality) | 13 | 7,1000 | 92,300 |
| 4 | Transportation Cost (Truck) | 1 | 18,000 | 18,000 |
| 5 | Transportation Cost (Jeep) | 1 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| 6 | Food & Snack For Helper | 11 | 250 | 2,750 |
| 7 | Local Bus Fare For Villager | 11 | 100 | 1,100 |
| 8 | Rice @ Rs. 1,050 & Rs. 1,450 | 10 | 1,250 | 12,500 |
| 9 | Mosquito Nets | 25 | 450 | 11,250 |
| 10 | Cooking Oil | 3 | 1,120 | 3,360 |
| Sub-Total | 530,260 |
|||
| Money Received From Adrian | 325,440 |
|||
| Due Amount to pay to Zinc shop/others | US$ 2,049 | 204,820 | ||
| Received Cash From Rina's Supporters | 318,900 | |||
| Now Cash Balance For Next Trip | (114,080) |
e. Phase 1b (5-6 July)
Click on link below for photos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.823874481060456.1073741828.293969844050925&type=3
This time, Bharat, having gained experience from phase 1a, managed to secure 100 zinc sheets at better quality/rates.
Now every family in Gorkha has at least one zinc sheet to rebuild their homes. But zinc supply was delayed due to muddy roads and a landslide because of heavy rains.
We thank God that Bharat and his team have been kept safe throughout.
The total expenses for this phase (again prepared by Bharat) are shown in the table below.
| S/No | Descriptions | Qty | Rate | Amount | Remarks |
| 1 | Zinc (Size 7 ft) | 40 | 6,500 | 260,000 |
|
| 2 | Zinc (Size 6 ft) | 60 | 6,500 | 390,000 | |
| 3 | Transportation Cost (Tractor) | 1 | 15,000 | 15,000 | |
| 4 | Transportation Cost (Jeep) | 1 | 10,000 | 10,000 | |
| 5 | Food & Transportation For Helpers | 5 | 700 | 3,500 | |
| Total Expenditure In This 2nd Trip (Rs.) | 678,500 | ||||
| Previous Balance With Adrian (Rs.) | 114,080 | Extra Money Left From 1st Zinc Trip To Gorkha | |||
| Money Received From Adrian | 687,820 | Money Received On 05 Jul 2015 | |||
| Total Money For Gorkha |
801,900 | Total Money Including Previous Balance | |||
| This Time Expenses (Rs.) | 678,500 |
Money Received On 05 Jul 2015 | |||
| Extra Money With Adrian (Rs.) | 123,400 | Money Received On 05 Jul 2015 |
f. What's Next?
With Gorkha settled, Bharat will extend the relief work to Sindhupalhowk. We will support this with the excess funds we've raised and Rina's friends will supplement this too. As the monsoon has started, zinc distribution is expected to be more complex and dangerous.
Please keep Bharat and his friends in your prayers as they continue their mission of mercy. I will update you as I receive more info.
Finally, thank you for your generosity. Without your support, none of these would have been possible.
Blessings,
Adrian
- Voxeros
