September16, 2020
Himalayan Children’s Fund News Dear Friends We are glad to report continuing good health for Thrangu Rinpoche, the children, monks, and nuns in India, Nepal and Tibet There have been a number of interesting activities to report and of special note this week is the end of the Yarne retreat, the 6th month exam for shedra monks and a celebration at Tara Abbey in honor of Nepal Children’s Day We need your help in promoting HCF so we can continue to be of bene t. As a donor, sponsor, or recipient you can share your experience and give a review of HCF that may inspire others to become involved. Please visit: Great NonPro ts and share some love It is also a great help to sign up with AmazonSmile. You Shop. Amazon Gives Thank you for your kind support. Please enjoy and share the newsletter. ~ Debra Ann
Tara Abbey had a small celebration in honor of Nepal’s Children’s Day, September 14th.
CARES ACT CHARITABLE DONATION UPDATE The changes related to charitable giving due to the CARES Act allow an increase in tax deduction for 2020. Those who itemize on their tax return can deduct up to 100% of their AGI (60% previously). Corporations may deduct up to 25%. This applies only to cash contributions to a public charity, (not to private foundations or donor advised funds) and does not apply to gifts of appreciated stock. If a person does not itemize and takes the standard deduction, they can take a $300.00 ($600.00 for married couples) additional deduction from their gross income, reducing their AGI. This information is in general, and subject to change. Please consult a tax professional for your particular situation.
TARA ABBEY WEBCAST Loppon Chokyi Lhamo was born in 1992 in Khangshar, Manang and in 2002 became a nun under the guidance of Thrangu Tara Abbey. After completing her secondary education at SMD Boarding School, Chokyi Lhamo entered the Thrangu Thoisam Dargyeling Shedra for higher Buddhist studies. Graduating in in 2017 she now serves as a teacher in the shedra. Acharya Chokyi Lhamo also teaches in English and recently gave a short talk: ‘Ways to Cope with Covid-19 Pandemic from a Buddhist Perspective’. Recorded Tara Abbey, the webcast is available through Gompa Services. This is a sponsored webcast event which is open to all, but registration is needed to view the webcast. To register, please go to www.gompaservices.com and sign in to your Gompa account and select Special Events. Registration and viewing will be available until October 12th, 2020.
A STORY OF KARMA: FINDING LOVE AND TRUTH IN THE LOST VALLEY OF THE HIMALAYA A NEW BOOK BY MICHAEL SCHAUCH
In 2012, SMD supporter Michael Schauch and his wife Chantal traveled from Vancouver, Canada to a remote mountain village in Nepal. Leading a team of artists with the objective of capturing a moment in time, Michael also hoped to climb a mountain he had only identi ed through a photograph. What unfolded in the mountains forced him to question his values and his own identity, and eventually resulted in meeting a little girl ~ the most profound encounter of his life. A Story of Karma recounts this journey, and the years that follow as Karma (the little girl), Michael and Chantal grow their lives together amidst the complex dichotomies and backdrop of Karma’s Himalayan village and the modern world of Vancouver, Canada Michael’s book, A Story of Karma has a page dedicated to SMD and is available for order at your local bookstore and major book retailers worldwide. Learn more at www.michaelschauch.com
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Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
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TARA ABBEY
The 45 day Yarne retreat will conclude this week at Tara Abbey. We have photos and a video, courtesy of Khenpo Chonyi Hover and click on the far right photo
WASHABLE MASKS FOR TARA ABBEY In partnership with Elevate Nepal and the Kokroma Company, Wangchuk Rapten Lama recently facilitated the gift of new, washable masks for Tara Abbey nuns. Kokroma specializes in traditional infant clothing in Nepal, with a commitment to handicraft and social entrepreneurship. Since the beginning of the pandemic Kokroma's seamstresses have been working from their homes producing thousands of face masks and newborn baby packs for Nepali mothers in need. With backing from the non-pro t Elevate Nepal, Kokroma designed and made masks for nuns and monks which have been gratefully received
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Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
HCF Page 3
SM Cancellation of the SEE government exam left Class 10 students uncertain about being able to graduate. By factoring class work, quizzes, term exams, participation, and more, schools and teachers have been granted permission to decide nal grades for Class 10 graduation. Congratulation to our 2010/2020 grads for their outstanding grades and hard work (Class photo from 11/2019
CLASSES FOR MOUNTAIN STUDENTS After sending students home in March, SMD has worked hard to keep education accessible. Classes are now being held in 18 villages in 4 different districts: Sindhupalchok, Gorkha, (Nubri & Tsum), Manang & Mugu. 17 classes are being taught by our own SMD students and one is being taught by graduates who have returned to their village because of the pandemic. Relief efforts are also in motion to provide food and other aid to the communities struggling from the recent landslides Please help SMD provide for the children and their families. Donations can be designated: SMD general support.
VVI and Namo Buddh 127 Shedra monks are in the midst of their 6th month exams. Several day of written exams have just completed and now they begin debates. (100 monks are at VVI and 27 at Namo Buddha. Due to the lockdown in Nepal and India 5 monks have been unable to return for examination and will have to wait until travel is safely permitted again.) Photos & video courtesy of Khenpo Gendun
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Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org