Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Response
(Supporting Vulnerable Communities in Times of Crisis)
Our Commitment to Humanitarian Service
United Sherpa Association (Sherpa Kyidug America) has always placed humanitarian service at the heart of its mission.
From its earliest days, the Association has responded to major natural disasters and emergencies, especially in remote, underserved, and economically challenged communities across developing countries.
As a charity organization rooted in compassion and community values, disaster relief remains one of our top priorities.
Why We Respond
Many Himalayan and developing regions face:
– Limited access to emergency services
– Geographic isolation
– Economic hardship
– Slow recovery after disasters
Recognizing these challenges, the Association mobilizes its members, partners, and global supporters to provide immediate relief, financial assistance, and long‑term recovery support.
Major Disaster Relief Efforts
COVID‑19 Emergency Relief Efforts
(Serving Our Community During the Global Pandemic)
Our Immediate Response During the 2019–2020 COVID Crisis
When New York State declared a public health emergency during the COVID‑19 pandemic, United Sherpa Association (Sherpa Kyidug America) mobilized quickly to support the community.
At a time when essential supplies were scarce and fear was widespread, the Association provided free, life‑saving materials to help protect families and frontline workers.
Essential Supplies Distributed to the Community
During the peak of the pandemic, the Association distributed:
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizers
• Gloves
• Basic medicines
• Other essential protective items
These supplies were provided free of cost to ensure that no one in the community was left unprotected.
Serving Queens and Surrounding Neighborhoods.The relief efforts focused on Nepali, Sherpa, Himalayan, and other multicultural communities living in:
• Queens, New York
• Jackson Heights
• Elmhurst
• Woodside
• Sunnyside
• And nearby neighborhoods
Volunteers reached out to hundreds of households, delivering supplies door‑to‑door to elderly individuals, families in isolation, and those unable to travel.
Distribution at the Association’s Premises
In addition to home deliveries, the Association organized safe, socially distanced distribution events at its premises.
Community members could visit the center to collect essential items, receive guidance, and connect with volunteers offering support during the crisis.
Compassion, Service, and Community Solidarity
The COVID‑19 relief initiative reflected the Association’s core values:
• Compassion for those facing hardship
• Responsibility toward public health and safety
• Solidarity with vulnerable families
• Service rooted in cultural and humanitarian principles
These efforts helped strengthen community resilience during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
2015 Nepal Earthquake Relief – Over $138,000 Raised
When the devastating 7.8‑magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015, the Sherpa Kyidug responded immediately and decisively.
Through community fundraising, donations, and global support, the Association raised more than $138,000 to assist victims with:
– Emergency shelter
– Food and water supplies
– Medical support
– Rebuilding efforts in affected villages
This remains one of the largest humanitarian initiatives in the Association’s history.
2012 Everest Avalanche Disaster Relief
In 2012, a tragic avalanche on Mount Everest claimed the lives of Sherpa guides and impacted many families.
The Association organized a dedicated relief fund to support:
– Families of the victims
– Funeral and immediate expenses
– Long‑term assistance for children and dependents
This effort demonstrated the Association’s deep commitment to the welfare of the Sherpa community worldwide.
Support to Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s Eye Care Mission
United Sherpa Association has also extended humanitarian support beyond disaster response by contributing to the life‑changing work of Dr. Sanduk Ruit, the world‑renowned ophthalmologist known as the “God of Sight.”
The Association has donated funds to support Dr. Ruit’s mission of:
– Providing free cataract surgeries
– Restoring eyesight for underserved and remote communities
– Expanding access to affordable eye care in Nepal and developing regions
This contribution reflects the Association’s belief in health equity, dignity, and the transformative power of medical care
Ongoing Humanitarian Focus
Beyond major disasters, the Association continues to support:
– Emergency aid for families in crisis
– Relief efforts in Himalayan regions affected by landslides, floods, and harsh winters
– Community rebuilding projects
– Partnerships with local and international humanitarian organizations
Our goal is to ensure that vulnerable communities receive timely help, dignity, and hope during their most difficult moments.
Our Values in Action
The Disaster Relief program reflects the core values of the Sherpa Kyidug:
– Compassion for those suffering
– Responsibility toward our global community
– Solidarity with families in crisis
– Service rooted in cultural and spiritual principles
These values guide every relief effort we undertake.
Join Our Humanitarian Mission
We welcome individuals, partners, and organizations who wish to support our disaster relief initiatives.
Together, we can bring meaningful change, save lives, and uplift communities in need.