eBay Inc’s online payment subsidiary PayPal said on Monday that it’s waiving fees for donations made to support relief organizations and rescue efforts in Nepal. The move ensures that 100 percent of all donations from Hong Kong reach charitable organizations and people in need.
A powerful and deadly earthquake struck an area of central Nepal between the capital, Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara on 25 April 2015. The toll of the quake is devastating and wide reaching. Early reports indicate thousands have died in Nepal and people have also been injured and killed in India, Bangladesh, Tibet and on Mount Everest, where devastating avalanches were triggered.
"As with any natural disaster of this magnitude, the need for aid will be vast and we all have the ability to help," the company said in a statement. PayPal is mobilizing its resources to help those affected in two ways: it has launched a disaster relief campaign featuring organizations like the American Red Cross, CARE USA and World Vision, who are working directly and through local partners to provide relief to emergency shelter, medical supplies and food. It will cover all costs associated with these donations, ensuring that 100 percent of the donations will be sent via the PayPal Giving Fund to the chosen organizations.
In addition, PayPal will give back transaction fees on donations from now to 27 May 2015 to any qualifying US organization involved in the relief and recovery. This is another way that PayPal can help ensuring that 100 percent of Nepal Earthquake donations reach the charities raising funds for relief and recovery.
"We’re extremely grateful to all those who are able to help, and our thoughts are with all of the families affected by this tragedy. People in Hong Kong are known for their generosity when disasters strike, so we will help ensure that their donations are moved to the intended beneficiaries especially at such times of need," said Matthew Lee, Vice President of PayPal North Asia.