Losang Rabgey is a Changemaker

Machik, a citizen sector organization that is working to strengthen communities on the Tibetan plateau, has created a safe mechanism for delivering funds directly to those working directly in Jyekundo who are best able to reach those most in need, according to Machik executive director Losang Rabgey.

Machik is networked with Tibetans who have years of experience serving local community needs. All funds donated through "Machik Earthquake Relief" will go directly to the people of Jyekundo and the devastated communities. Donations can be made online at www.machik.org.

The people of Jyekundo urgently need your immediate help for medicines, clothing, food and clean water, and in the longer term for rebuilding their community. The vast majority of the local people are Tibetan herders without access to emergency relief resources.

The 6.9 magnitude quake killed nearly 3,000 people. More than 10,000 are injured, and 90 percent of homes crumbled in Jeigu, near the epicenter of the quake.

Machik is an entrant in the Changemakers Power of Us: Re-Imagine Media competition.

Update: Losang and Tashi Rabgey, co-founders of Machik, report on 4/28/10:

Thanks to the early and swift response of supporters like you, Machik was able to move quickly in the early days of the crisis and wire a total of $38,000 directly to an outstanding coalition of local organizations working on the ground in Jyekundo. Please know that contributions from Machik supporters were promptly put to use in bringing immediate relief to the devastated Tibetan areas. Since then, Machik supporters from the USA, Canada and beyond have donated another $100,000 in response to the ongoing crisis in Jyekundo.

As the relief work shifts to the urgent work of reconstruction, the Machik Jyekundo Earthquake Fund is fully committed and dedicated to rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Jyekundo. We would like you to know that your support will be used directly to support local initiatives to rebuild Tibetan communities struggling for survival.

Please also know that we are working with effective local organizations on the ground to develop projects and initiatives for reconstruction and revitalization - in Jyeku town and in surrounding rural and herding areas.

Check back on the Machik website for updates.