WATCH ABOVE: With one of their students in Nepal, an Edmonton school is rallying together to support the family’s relief efforts there. Kendra Slugoski reports.
EDMONTON — A local Grade 4 student was visiting Nepal with her family when the April 25 earthquake hit.
“We spent the entire weekend worrying and wondering where they were and trying to get in contact with them,” said Crawford Plains School Vice Principal Lisa Nachtigal.
READ MORE: ‘We Need Help:’ Aid scarce in quake-hit Nepal villages as death toll tops 7,000
The school later found out the Moktan family – including Grade 4 student Samantha, her two brothers and parents – was in Kathmandu when the first quake hit.
“They were all safe but they were living in a field. They were directly part of the relief efforts, so we joined up with them at that point and said we’d do whatever it took to help them.”
“It was the biggest sense of relief,” added Baynton. “It was good to know.”
The students set up a mock relief tent and collected donations for items like food supplies and water.
“I want to help raise money so they can have something to live off of,” said Grade 6 student Aidan Stefanich.
“I want to help out, get them what they need.”
So far, the fundraising campaign has raised more than $800, which will help about 20 families.
In an email to Nachtigal, Samantha’s father Hira explained how the school could help.
“My son told me you were looking for me to talk about fundraising for earthquake victims. I really appreciate it. Money would be better option than materials in my experience. We can buy food, medicine and tents for them and go their village to distribute to the victim families which we are doing now.
“Thank you so much thinking about earthquake victims of Nepal. It is really great work,” wrote Hira.
Then, the second earthquake struck Nepal and much of the work had to begin from scratch.
READ MORE: 2nd deadly earthquake spreads fear, misery in Nepal; killing at least 37
“He did mention with the second earthquake yesterday, they were just waiting for banks to reopen and as soon as they did, he would be taking that money to buy the supplies and head out and deliver them to the rural areas in the mountains where they’re helping the most.”
Seven other schools have now joined the fundraising effort.
For Samantha’s teacher, it’s been an emotional process.
“It’s hard to think that a Grade 4 student is there and witnessing this,” said Baynton.
“It is a life lesson I could never teach. We’re excited for her to come teach us a lesson about it.”
The Moktan family is expected to come home to Edmonton on Thursday.
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