Assisting, Educating and Empowering the people of Nepal

Ten Friends is a dynamic, non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives in the 3rd world with simple, hands–on projects that make a big difference to people in need.  We work in Nepal – among the poorest countries in the world. One of the beauties of the Nepali culture is its simplicity – fancy homes, material items, and excess are seldom seen. Nepali people value family, religion, education, and basic needs like food, sanitation, shelter, clean drinking water . . . and a cup of tea with a friend. Our goal is to provide those basics so our projects focus on assistance that the Nepali people need – not what we think they need based on our culture or religion. Before we begin any project, we always ask, “Is this something you need and can use?” 

                                                                                

OUR VISION

Ten Friends recognizes the human impact of economic hardship throughout the world. Our values are cultural respect, human dignity, increased quality of life, and environmental preservation. We are especially concerned with the many challenges faced by children. These values guide us as we seize opportunities to empower less fortunate people and enrich their lives. 

who we are

We are an Oregon based NGO and are volunteer run with no staff except for individuals we support in Nepal who operate our programs and projects.  We do no direct marketing but believe that "If each of us tells ten friends about what is needed…and each of them tells ten friends…and each of them tells ten friends…then what we can accomplish has no limits. That’s the power of Ten Friends!”

Why Contribute

Experience the joy of contributing and knowing that nearly all of your tax-deductible contribution goes directly towards helping the people of Nepal.  

We offer a range of opportunities for you to contribute towards programs and projects that best align with your personal beliefs and interests.  Together we can make a difference to enhancing and improving the lives of others.

Upcoming Ten Friends events

  • Ten Friends 5K Color Run

    • June 03, 2023
    • 10:00 AM
    • Pacific Crest Middle School, Bend


    The Ten Friends 5K Color Run is a fun, non-competitive event (participants can choose to run or walk) with several stations along the 3.1 mile course where people, if they choose, can have non-toxic, colored dye thrown on them.  The course starts and ends at Pacific Crest Middle School and loops around Summit High School, Discovery Park and Miller Elementary School. You'll get a white t-shirt to wear during the run, volunteers will guide you at all turns and crossings, there will be water on the course, and you'll have great views of the Cascades!  Refreshments will be available, and we really want to encourage people to bring family-friendly lawn games to keep the fun going after the run.​

    This event is sponsored by the Summit High School Interact Club as a fundraiser for Ten Friends, a wonderful nonprofit based in Sisters which supports innovative education and children projects in Nepal (so the colored dye was a natural fit given the Hindu festivities of Holi!)

    Find out more information and Register for the run https://www.shsinteract5k.org/


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  • Open House and Anniversary at High Camp Taphouse

    • June 17, 2023
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • High Camp Taphouse

    Open House and Anniversary Celebration at High Camp Taphouse

    The owners (Nurbu and Pema Sherpa) of the High Camp restaurant in Sisters, Oregon have been working to improve the quality of life for the "untouchable" Musahar residents of the Village of Tilahi, Nepal. In early May, the Board of Ten Friends voted to expand the organization's activities to bring the efforts connected to Tilahi Village and the Musahar under the umbrella of Ten Friends.

    To celebrate the restaurants first anniversary and the coming together of these efforts on behalf of Nepal, Nurbu and Pema are hosting an Open House at the restaurant on Saturday, June 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.  The restaurant is located at 523 East Highway 20 in Sisters, and the High Camp website contains more information about the restaurant, as well as a map. 

    The Open House will be an opportunity for folks associated with Ten Friends and folks associated with the efforts of Nurbu and Pema to meet and learn about the work of both groups.  All are welcome. There is no charge for the Open House, but the restaurant will be open and you will be able to order dinner and beverages if you wish. (Hint: The food is delicious and reasonably priced!)  Reservations are not required.  The objective is to provide information and encourage friendships.

    For questions, you can call the restaurant (541-904-4694), call or text Pema at 541-639-5322, or email the restaurant through the website. 


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  • Youth Guided Trip to Nepal

    • August 05, 2023
    • 7:30 PM (UTC)
    • August 26, 2023
    • 5:00 PM (UTC)
    • Nepal

    JOIN US FOR A GUIDED TRIP TO NEPAL.... 


    Comprised of both high school students and adults, we will visit Hopeful Home Orphanage (HHO), visit Himalayan Education Center (HEC), possibly dedicate a library (or two) in a remote village, give new books to an existing library, and explore Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Khandbari with a variety of day trips in the cities and surrounding countryside.

    Our ideal composition is 3-4 adult chaperones and 6-8 high school students to maintain an adult-to-student ratio of roughly 1:2 or 1:3. At present, Ten Friends founder Mark LaMont and President Bruce Abernethy are confirmed as chaperones, and so we are looking for 1 or 2 more adults. At this time there are 6 students who are probable or very interested, and so we are seeking 1 or 2 more students. We are looking for upperclassmen, but a stronger selection factor is level of maturity and responsibility.

    The current proposed itinerary is from August 5-25, approximately 3 weeks from start (leave Redmond (RDM)) to finish (return to RDM) with a cost of roughly $4,500 per participant plus additional if trying to raise funds for a library (~$3,000). This covers flights to/from Nepal plus flights within Nepal, other transportation, lodging and food and most sightseeing. The cost of the following items are not included in the cost estimate above. All participants will be required to obtain trip insurance with medical and evacuation coverage included and be up-to-date on all Covid-19 requirements. Participants should check with their doctor to make sure they have all recommended vaccinations and suggested medications to take along, primarily various antibiotics for the GI tract and the respiratory system. Nepal requires all visitors to have a Visa.

    If this appeals to you or are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Bruce Abernethy at abernethy9@aol.com.



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  • Annual Trip to Nepal

    • November 03, 2023
    • 7:30 PM (UTC)
    • November 24, 2023
    • 5:00 PM (UTC)
    • Nepal


    JOIN US FOR A GUIDED TRIP TO NEPAL.... 


    This is our annual trip to Nepal.  We will be guided by Nurbu Sherpa who grew up in Nepal and frequently travels to the nation.  The trip is limited to 16 individuals who will travel throughout the nation.  We assure you that it will be an adventure that you will always remember.  

    For information about the trip, we encourage you to contact Nurbu or Pema or talk to them in person at High Camp Taproom in Sisters, Oregon.


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