Meet Dhan Bahadur Boharo, a 17-year-old boy from a poverty-stricken community in Nepal. He is suffering from End Stage Renal Disease and needs a kidney to save his life. Currently receiving hemodialysis, he is one step away from getting his life back—his mother is eligible to be a donor; however, they cannot afford the $6,000 for the operation.

So how do we, as Ottawans, come into play to help save this boy’s life?

It’s actually easier then you would think. As the highlight of many initiatives planned out for this great cause, Adi Shesha Yoga Zone (1338 Wellington West, Ottawa) is holding a Fundraiser Bazaar this weekend, from 10 am to 4pm on Saturday April 6, 2013.

If you would like to be part of the Fundraising Bazaar, you can donate the following items, which will be used for either sale or silent auction:

• Baked Goods

• Clothes

• Jewellery

• Toys

• Gift Certificates to Restaurants or Services

• Your time as a volunteer

• Or donate money directly towards the operation

Qs and As WITH ADI SHESHA DIRECTOR BASIA GOING

Twenty York Street’s Janelle Gagne spoke with Basia Going, Director of Adi Shesha, about Dhan and other ways that we can help this great cause in Nepal.

BASIA GOING, Director, ADI SHESHA Yoga Zones. Image Courtesy of Marc Lavoie Photo.

1) Why Dhan?

An orphanage in Nepal that we have helped in the past was approached by a very poor family for help. The family was looking for help for their dying son suffering from kidney failure. Unfortunately, the orphanage was not able to invest that kind of money it would take to do the transplant on only child. They had to decline, as they already take care of 150 kids.

With a trip to Nepal in the works, I contacted the orphanage to ask if there was anything I could do and bring to help them out. I was touched by the story of this dying child that the orphanage could not help. For us, $6,000 is not much when it’s to save a life but for this family, it was out of the question.

I told the orphanage that I would get them the money and that they should start making arrangements for the transplant. When the boy was told he had a chance to live, he cried tears of joy. His family and community was inspired by the fact that a group of people from so far away could care to help someone they didn’t even know.

Since then, I have done my research on the organization and spoken to a number of those involved. It was obvious that the decision to help was the right one. That’s why I organized the Bazaar to invite our own community to help as well.

It’s been remarkable – the amount of businesses and individual that have just lit up at the opportunity to chip in. You should see the offerings of help, including bazaar donations. The enthusiasm from all these people working towards the same cause is just the best.

For more information about Adi Shesha’s classes and Yoga Teachers, visit their website here.

2) What are other ways that people in Ottawa can help the people of Nepal?

I believe that the best way is to get informed and educated about Nepal. It is a country of rich culture, history, and beauty but also one that faces many hardships

There are many charitable organizations helping the children and the poor. I, too, am trying to get to know the situation. Outside of going to the Everest Base Camp trek, I plan to visit the orphanages and attend a few meetings to get a better idea of the situation in Nepal.

3) Is Adi Shesha planning on other fundraisers in the future?

Of course, we throw fundraisers throughout the year – some smaller, some bigger.

We’ve been on the lookout for an organization in Ottawa and one outside of our own community that we could help support. I believe that we will also keep close contact with the orphanage in Nepal if they require any help in the future.