Thousands of Tibetans have been displaced since the Chinese invasion of their homeland in the mid 1950s. Many have fled to countries all around the Himalayan region, including India. McLeod Ganj, a small mountain town in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is the official home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Because of this, many Tibetan refugees cross the treacherous Himalayas by foot and try to make their way to McLeod Ganj. The journey is often done in large groups and takes any where from 1-2 months.

Most Tibetan refugees arrive in India with little more than the clothes on their back. As global awareness of the continuing struggle between Tibet and China increases, NGOs supporting the Tibetan cause are becoming more and more prevalent not only in the Himalayas, but wherever Tibetan refugees end up. These NGOs provide basic services such as cultural immersion programs, job and language training, and programs for displaced children.

However, one of the most basic necessities is often overlooked. Clean water and food are absolutely essential for the welfare of these refugees. Because money is extremely tight amongst the refugee community, healthy and affordable food is not always accessible.

The LHA Charitable Trust located in McLeod Ganj is one NGO that is desperately trying to provide these refugees not only with the skills that will help them stand on their feet tomorrow, but with the food and water they need to survive today. The LHA needs $25,000 to construct a community kitchen that will provide discounted food to refugees (please see attached document for breakdown of costs). Your donation will go directly to making this a reality.