Last Saturday, April 25, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, causing 5, 200 deaths and affecting over 8 million people, most of them in Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Aid agencies are busy on the ground providing food, health care, tracing down survivors, and reconnecting family members.

Here’s a short list of organizations that we trust. Please give generously!

The Nepal Red Cross Society: The NRCS has extensive experience in responding to national disasters and is the center of the relief efforts in Nepal. They provide first aid to the injured, search and rescue, blood to medical facilities and support to residents affected by the natural disaster. You can donate to the NRCS here directly, however the Internet connection is not consistent, so you might want to try the International Red Cross.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society: You can be sure the Red Cross have volunteers and staff of working on the ground assisting in search and rescue efforts, and administering first aid. They are currently gathering resources from New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. You can donate to the Red Cross here

UNICEF: According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, 1.7 million children in Nepal are now in urgent need of aid.   You can automatically donate $10 by texting “Nepal” to  45678 (UNICEF Canada). You can also donate to UNICEF online

Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders: MSF is sending teams to set up surgical units and mobile clinics aimed at reaching people in remote areas. They will also send 3,000 medical and non-food items kits (household items and hygiene) to Nepal. You can donate to MSF here

Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim: Action Against Hunger reopened its mission in Nepal in 2011 to develop nutrition and health programs . So far, 11 tons of materials have already left  Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris; including  9.5 tonnes of water sanitation and hygiene materials, and equipment to establish “baby friendly spaces” dedicated to mothers and children. You can donate to Action Against Huger here

Oxfam: Oxfam aid workers and affiliates are on the ground, providing clean water, building toilets, and providing food and shelter to thousands of people. Donate to Oxfam

Save the Children: Nearly 2 millions of children have been affected by the devastating earthquake, and thousands of children are living in temporary makeshift tents. Last year, Save the Children gave 150, 000 children vital nourishment. Donate to Save the Children here

Facebook: You’ve probably noticed a message at the top of your News Feed with an option to donate to Nepal. Facebook will match every dollar up to $2 million donated through its fundraising widget. All donations made through Facebook will go directly to International Medical Corps. You can find more information here.

Let’s give Nepal all the love and help they need.

More photos from Mate Valtr here

By Helene Hidalgo