Nepal fundraiser June 20 at Fair Trade Decor in Del Mar

Fair Trade Décor, a Del Mar retail store dedicated to Fair Trade principles, will hold a poetry reading titled “Compassion in Action,” at 7 p.m. June 20, to raise much-needed funds for immediate relief and ongoing support for the people of Nepal.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25 devastated the country. More than 500,000 homes were destroyed, and an estimated 3 million people are in need of food, water, shelter and medication. During the immediate rescue and recovery period, a second quake of 7.3 magnitude struck, bringing further destruction. Now, as relief organizations work to support Nepal’s displaced people, the monsoon season has begun. In the next three months, large areas of Nepal will see 15 to 30 inches of rain or more, all flowing downstream from the higher areas of the Himalayas.

Ganesh Himal Trading Company, one of Fair Trade Décor’s many global partners who has worked exclusively with artisans in Nepal for 30 years, is soliciting donations for the relief effort. “Compassion in Action” will give participants the opportunity to donate directly to Conscious Connections Foundation, a registered 501(c)3, with which Ganesh Himal has worked closely. Fair Trade Décor will forward 100 percent of donations and all profits from items purchased the night of the event to the relief effort. All contributions are tax deductible and all the funds go directly to the relief effort in Nepal.

Fair Trade Décor is at 1412 Camino del Mar. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Visit www.fairtradedecor.com; call 858-461-1263.