"I can't express how horrible the conditions are in some parts of this area."
Feeling overwhelmed and surrounded by "everything awful you can imagine" Reuben started fundraising by asking family and friends for some money so he could buy some shelter for locals who couldn't afford it.
But the fundraising "went crazy" and he was "absolutely blown away" by the numerous people from around the world who have donated money via his Facebook and Givealittle pages. Well over $30,000 has been raised.
Reuben says he has been in a privileged position to be able to work with locals to ensure 100 per cent of funds, which is well accounted for, goes directly to where it is needed most.
"This is a rare opportunity and I'm not going to waste it."
Using his credit card, he has been accessing the money from ATM machines and then purchasing aid supplies.
"I now have a huge responsibility to direct this grassroots emergency response initiative as best I can."
Reuben, who has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand award in the community spirit category, says international aid has focused on densely populated areas mainly in Kathmandu but there is an enormous need for immediate relief in rural areas including where he has been living.
So far the aid effort channelled by Reuben and his team of hardworking helpers has reached five remote districts.
"We have worked with local representatives to ensure our aid hits villages that haven't received any aid to date and targeted the lower castes who can't afford to take care of themselves or rebuild.
"We have supplied around 23 tonnes of emergency aid like food, shelter, foam mattresses for thousands sleeping rough, medicine and basic hygiene items to these rural areas way out in the mountains, directly reaching about 5600 people.
"Locally we have worked to provide 34 selected families from lowest caste, who work hand to mouth and have nothing left, with building materials to construct metal and bamboo monsoon shelters.
"We have also worked to support the local Pahari community children as well as children who work in the nearby brick factory to supply around 215 children with the schooling supplies they lost in the quakes and focused on 18 of them who are from the poorest backgrounds to replace their school uniforms and school bags that their families would usually have to save for months to afford as well as the same books and pens that all the other kids received.
"In total, locally, we have reached over 400 people, mostly children, making the total number of people directly affected by the initiative over 6000.
"We also have the funds to continue the work through Common Action for Sustainable Development Nepal for the long-term to reach thousands more."
Reuben, who has become physically unwell, says he has been "humbled to tears" and "proud beyond belief" of the work he has "been empowered to do through the donations of generosity and love".
The Pride of New Zealand Awards are proudly brought to you by The New Zealand Herald, The Hits and TSB Bank.
Nominations for the 2015 awards have now closed.
To see more stories of our wonderful nominees click here.
For more information on the awards go to the official website.
