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Making an Impact: The Relief Efforts in Nepal
**From Joe Speicher, Executive Director, Autodesk Foundation**
This month’s tragedy in Kathmandu has been devastating—heartbreaking scenes of loss and destruction everywhere. Yet, as always, the global community has shown its capacity for compassion and action. The U.S. government has pledged $10 million in aid, telecom providers are offering free calls to Nepal, and the U.S. Air Force has dispatched over 100 personnel, including specialized search-and-rescue teams, to assist in the region.
At the Autodesk Foundation, like many other organizations, we’re exploring every possible way to contribute meaningfully to the recovery effort. Given our expertise in design and construction, we’ve focused our efforts on leveraging these skills to support sustainable rebuilding. Tech giants such as Google and Facebook are using their platforms to help verify the safety of individuals in Nepal, while PayPal, with its vast network of 150 million active users, is making it easier for people to donate through their services.
We firmly believe that design expertise holds immense potential in Kathmandu’s reconstruction efforts. That’s why we’re partnering with organizations aligned with Autodesk’s mission to create resilient structures capable of withstanding future disasters. One shining example is Build Change, a nonprofit with extensive experience in post-disaster housing and school projects. Their work involves not only constructing but also educating local contractors about implementing safer building practices. Just one day after the earthquake, they assembled a response team for Nepal. I urge anyone who shares our belief in the transformative power of good design to consider supporting Build Change.
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**The Design Opportunity**
While immediate humanitarian aid is crucial, the longer-term challenges of rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and businesses must not be neglected. Often, this phase receives insufficient attention or poor management. Fortunately, some of our foundation grantees, including Build Change, have been addressing these issues for years.
For instance, Build Change focuses on creating seismic-resistant building codes and training local contractors to build cost-effective yet durable homes and schools. They’re currently mobilizing resources to assist Nepal in this critical period. Their efforts represent a significant step toward ensuring resilience against future earthquakes.
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**Ways You Can Help**
If you're looking to contribute, here are actionable steps you can take:
1. **Donate to Build Change**: This organization is uniquely positioned to drive lasting change in Nepal. Your donation directly supports their initiatives to build safer homes and schools.
2. **Support Creative Market**: In May, hundreds of Creative Market shops are donating up to 100% of their earnings to Nepal disaster relief. The Autodesk Foundation will match the first $20,000 in contributions, which will benefit All Hands, a nonprofit addressing both short-term and long-term community needs. Learn more on their blog.
3. **Engage with Pixlr’s Campaign**: Through the Autodesk Foundation's partnership with Pixlr, they’ll donate $20,000 to Build Change. During the early May photo challenge, users were encouraged to share images under the theme "Message for Nepal." Visit the Pixlr blog for details.
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Autodesk remains deeply committed to aiding Nepal’s recovery. From collaborating with partners like Build Change to organizing employee-led volunteer activities, we’re determined to make a substantial and enduring impact. Though natural disasters will continue to occur, fostering a safer future benefits everyone. Let’s work together to ensure that Nepal emerges stronger than ever.