In case you missed Richard’s talk or if you just want to relive the experience
Our 1st talk in the new Team Alex Speaker Series was a total success! The snacks were flowing as freely as the conversation and Richard did a fabulous job of introducing us to the wonderful work his D2N Foundation has been doing over the last 16 years. If you follow Richard on Facebook you have already had a glimpse into his annual Nepalese adventures but during his presentation he barely mentioned his incredible hiking expeditions, eating the same bland food more often than would be his preference, sleeping is a freezing -2 star “hotel) and walking for days and days.
What he did talk about was even more impressive. Since its inception, D2N Foundation has been listening to and working with local Nepalese villagers to improve their health and quality of life. Schools, health posts and birthing centers have been built. Squat toilets and septic systems have eliminated what was once dangerously contaminated “drinking” water. Children have been educated including many girls who were previously excluded from the educational system for a variety of reasons.
Although D2N’s work has been focused in the eastern district of Khotang during their first 13 years, after the 2023 earthquake (whose epicenter was in the western district of Jajarkot ),a collaborative effort brought him together with Maggie Doyne, cofounder of the Kopila Valley Children’s Home. I won’t even try to tell you about this home and school, or about how incredible Maggie is. You can see that for yourselves by clicking here to view the documentary made by Maggie’s husband Jeremy. Towards the end of the evening Maggie and Jeremy joined us on Zoom (very early in the morning for them).They were fun engaging and beyond impressive in a super casual understated kind of way.
Jeremy’s love of biking and his commitment to all of the Kopila Valley Home’s kids led him to introduce the kids to our favorite sport. None of them had ever had a bike before, let alone knowing how to ride one.
The intersection of Maggie, Jeremy, Richard, D2N and Team Alex has led to the development of the Team Alex Kopila Valley Bike Club. Many Team Alex members made donations to get this program rolling one year ago. Listening to Jeremy talk about what the world of biking has opened up for these kids was beautiful. It has given them confidence, adventure, fitness and pure joy. It is also helping teach them about responsibility and safety. Jeremy has recently started a Facebook page where you can follow along and see just what is happening with the bike club. In his post from January 9th you can see the kids in their Team Alex Kopila Valley bike jerseys.
The event was not intended to be a fundraiser but, of course, people did ask how they can help out. We are working on a few things and Richard will let us know once the upcoming needs are assessed.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success, especially Ron Sollish and the Maddin Hauser snack committee. Richard apologizes he wasn’t able to formally introduce you to D2N’s newest board member, and avid bicyclist Ned Greenberg, who was present at this event.
Beth
P.S. We are just about to watch Between The Mountain And The Sky, a documentary about Maggie Doyne and the Kopila Valley Children’s home. Try this link if you want to see it too. https://betweenthemountain.mykajabi.com/library
