---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Julian Beldotti <
badassbeldotti@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 11, 2007 6:19 PM
Subject: Maybe we can fundraise?
To:
coordinator@fcbikecoop.org*
Good morning, from Kathmandu!
I know this is sort of a bizarre request, but I'm looking for any help
I can get. My name is Tom Martin, I'm an American living in Kathmandu,
the capital city of Nepal. I moved out here after college to see what
the wide world had to offer, and as you can imagine, the differences
in culture are nothing short of overwhelming. Nepal is the ninth
poorest nation in the world, owing largely to the fact that there is a
very small skilled workforce. That's why I'm contacting you today; I'm
starting the process of investigating options for opening a volunteer
bike cooperative here. I worked at two separate co-ops in the US, one
in New Brunswick, NJ (
http://www.nbbikelibrary.org) and one in New
Orleans (
http://www.rubarbike.org), where I gained a few years of
experience as a mechanic and non-profit organizer. I've also worked
professionally as a mechanic, and I hope to be one of the volunteer
mechanics when we get Bikes for Nepal off the ground.
I need help with bikes, tools, volunteers, anything. I know you are
not in the position to throw resources around, but maybe you could
help me come up with ideas. I'm writing to every co-op I've been to,
and hopefully we'll come up with some way to raise money or collect
parts/bikes/tools for a co-op out here, which will train Nepali people
for life-long careers and ensure many people have affordable
transportation. Additionally, an English-speaking workshop allows
those who choose to participate in invaluable training in the world's
largest business language. This is an excellent opportunity for grant
writers and students looking to study abroad as well, I should add.
I will be seeking NGO status here, another project with which I could
use help. However, this would mean that any donations are potentially
tax-deductible. Contact me for more specific details, or if you can
give advice for organizing NGO/iNGOs. Of course, my qualifications and
references are available before making any sort of commitment.
Feel free to circulate this email widely. Get back to me if you have
any ideas. Thanks!
Tom Martin
+977 980 349 3788