AUSTIN -- Mandala Tibetan Shop, a local Tibetan business, donated 100 percent of its profits on Saturday to Nepal relief efforts and the owners matched donations, donating a total of $3,000 to relief efforts.
The store owners decided to donate since many of their suppliers and shippers come from Nepal.
The owners said they have had success in contacting some of their suppliers but they are still trying to get in touch with others. Employees say the relationship with these providers is more than just business.
"Most of our suppliers and friends are still sleeping outside in fear of aftershocks," one owner said. "Some of our friends have lost their family homes."
Of the suppliers the store has made contact , they said most are in good condition but face scarce resources.
The store donated $500 to Doctors Without Borders, $500 to the Development of Children and Women Center Community Hospital and $2,000 in rice donations for earthquake victims who have lost their homes. Each bag of rice costs $15, meaning 133 families will each get a large bag of rice.
"We had a wonderful turnout and feel blessed for the positive energy we felt in our store on Saturday," store owner Sylvia Smelcer wrote in an email.
