By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— In April 2015, a 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal, causing more than 8,000 casualties and injuring more than 21,000 people. While it has been about one year since the quake, many families are still living in temporary housing.

To help the people of Nepal rebuild their homes and economy, Leisha Knight is raising funds through a Hike for Nepal and LULU Lemon Yoga class April 24.

“I was in Nepal last year during the earthquake, and I am married to a Nepali man,” Knight said. “My family is in Birmingham, and we wanted to do something around the anniversary (of the earthquake) to give back to Nepal.”

She explained that many people are still having a difficult time in Nepal, and this event will help raise awareness about it.

The hike begins at 11 a.m. April 24 at Oak Mountain State Park. Knight said she encourages people to get there early so they can start on time. The plan is to take the green trail to Peavine Falls and then loop back down the green trail.

Knight said the hike is moderate, with hills comparable to those in Nepal. In Nepal, people often have to carry supplies on their backs to rebuild homes because there aren’t always roads through the hills, she said.

“It’s an interesting way to connect with a different reality in a different area,” Knight said of the trail.

Knight said they will regroup at the Cedar Pavilion at 2 p.m. for the LuLu Lemon Yoga class. She will have prayer flags displayed, creating a nice environment for yoga.

She said her husband also plans to attend, so he could answer any questions about Nepal attendees may have.

Knight said she hosts yoga hikes regularly at Oak Mountain State Park, bringing about 10 to 30 people together at most classes.

“Everybody loves it. People come back, and they repeat the experiences,” Knight said. “It’s a great way to connect with the community that enjoys getting out.”

While 50 percent of proceeds from all Yoga Trekking International events is donated to Nepal, Knight said this hike is a way to create a little more awareness about what’s still going on there.

Tickets are $10 and 100 percent of the proceeds earned go to support families living in Tokha, a small village in the developmental region of Kathmandu. In addition to ticket sales, Knight said people are welcome to make donations.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/events/1072955672746678. To purchase tickets, visit Yogatrekkinginternational.com.