PokerStars and Full Tilt Setting Up Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund

Although big natural disasters luckily don't happen too often, they are still a part of our reality and when they do hit the best any of us can do is extend our hand and provide some form of help for those stricken by the bad fortune.

On Saturday, April 25, one such a disaster hit Nepal, as the devastating earthquake hit this Asian country, inflicting the biggest damage on the capital of Kathmandu. Thousands of lives have been lost and the consequences of the disaster are felt throughout the country.

To help those in dire straits, PokerStars and Full Tilt have set up a relief fund for those affected by the earthquake, with numerous ways for players to donate the funds. Amaya, the parent company of these two online rooms, has pledged to fully match the entire donated amount.

According to the latest information, 5,000 people have lost their lives and many more at risk due to aftershocks and the general situation that's been created by the disaster. People have lost their homes, food and drinking water are scarce and people are in shock and at risk, often left to tend for themselves.

Governments of big world powers are already sending their donations to Nepal, and we, as a community, can make the difference as well. Poker players have always been quick and willing to support various charities and there have been few situations where the help had been more warranted.

How to donate

• Dummy Tournaments - there are several dummy tournaments in the lobby, with the buy-ins ranging from $1 to $1,000. These are not real tournaments and serve only as a way of collecting money for the fund. You are free to register for as many of these tournaments as you like.
• Transfer funds - special account has been set up, named 'Nepal Fund'. You can directly transfer any amount of your choosing to this account and it will be added to the Nepal Relief Fund.
• VIP Store - you can also exchange your VIP points in the Store for the cash amounts to be added to the fund, at the rate of 1,200 FPPs for a $20 donation.

Remember, every dollar you donate will be matched, so your $10 will become $20 to help those who lost everything over night.

You can also make donations directly via CARE International site, but these amounts may not be matched by PokerStars.

Every donation counts; it may not seem as much, but $5 provides a family with food for one day, and $225 will help give an emergency shelter for one family!