Gifts for the kamis?

[wldmn13]

I have been feeling generous lately and was wondering about giving gifts to the kamis who made my favorite khuks.

Uncle Bill, this is mainly directed at you. Are there any items that the kamis need or want that are difficult to get in Nepal? Do they have any sort of wish list of things that they can't normally get their hands on that I could ship them as a gift? Wold they just like a cash gift? Would I send anything directly to them or use you as an intermediary?

I know you're overbooked now and I don't want to add any burdens to you. I just feel like giving some gifts, and the kamis are on my mind often as I think about all the luxuries I take for granted and then look through pictures of the factory where they make their living. If I can make their day a little (or a lot) brighter then it would make me happy.

I'm also curious as to the question of scale. I have heard the average salary in Nepal is $150US per year. Is this still valid? It gives me an idea for scale of a gift.

Please let me know if this is a bad idea, and why. I don't want to offend anyone.

 

[Drdan]

I've read that the kamis working for BirGhorka are paid quite a bit more than their colleagues not affiliated with the factory. Simply purchasing a product from H.I. will perpetuate the process, especially now, being that they recently related that they needed work. H.I. is offering a 25% discount on all their offerings until further notice.

It will be interesting to see what Bura, Kumar, Sher, et al, come up with, given their recent artistic freedom! Many H.I. customers add a % to their purchase, which is earmarked for the kamis. If U.B. or Yangdu will be visiting, perhaps a gift package of sorts can be collected well in advance and distributed.

If you feel especially magnanimous, throw a party for the shop, either by yourself, or getting some members to pitch in. I'd be happy to join you on this, parties are really relished by employees!

Dan

 

[Drdan]

Being that the kamis will soon begin, or have begun their "special projects" initiative, how about us forumites hold a party in their, and H.I.'s honor? I'll start the ball rolling by donating $25.00; just let me know who'd like to be the treasurer, and who to PayPal the funds to. A feast and Puja can be arranged, as well as door prizes, etc. If Uncle Bill feels it would be a good idea, I'm sure the forumites would enjoy participating!

Dan

 

[Svashtar]

Drdan and Wildman, great idea! I'll be glad to collect the funds and send the $ to the Kami's with a note thanking them for all their work, and asking them to please send all their new creations to me for evaluation and quality inspections.

Just doing my part!

Seriously, count me in. I'm a bit between checks right now but can kick in $10 or $15 no problem. Just let me know where to send it.

Regards,

Norm

 

[Rio Jim]

I have this sneaking suspicion that at some past Dashera, Uncle Bill presented Bura a nice set of wide-jawed Channel Lock vice grips, that have since become an indispensable and exclusive tool at BirGorkha, used to hold the blade, just South of the cho. And forever hence -- the dreaded cho creep!