KATHMANDU: The California Sherpa Association has transferred more than 17 million rupees to Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund to support communities affected by recent floods in the country.
 
Gombu Sherpa, president of the CSA, said that, on behalf of the association, he had transferred USD 116,046.66 to the PMDRF’s Himalayan Bank account on November 2.
 
“The fund, amounting to over NPR 17 million, has been directly channelled to the PMDRF account as per the decision of the association,” Sherpa said.
 
The California Sherpa Association, along with the Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma, organised a fundraising event last month, according to Sherpa.

 
During “Sonoma for Nepal: A Flood Relief Charity Dinner,” held at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall with support from the City of Sonoma, the organisers collected the amount from the Nepali community and other donors, Ang Dorjee Sherpa, vice president of CSA, said.
 
Hundreds of community members and dignitaries attended the event, with restaurants, wineries, and volunteer organisations also joining the humanitarian initiative. Members of the Sherpa community offered Buddhist prayers for those who lost their lives in the floods.
 
A video showing the devastation caused by the August 26 floods along the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli corridors was also screened during the programme. People from different parts of the San Francisco Bay Area attended the event in solidarity with Nepal.
 
Sonoma Mayor Ron Wellander and Representative Mike Thompson of California’s 4th Congressional District also attended the event and praised the Sherpa community’s efforts to support flood-affected communities in Nepal, according to Sherpa.

 
The event not only raised relief funds but also united the Nepali diaspora for a good cause, said Pemba Sherpa, president of the Himalayan Sherpa Club of Sonoma. “It reflected the continuing connection between the Nepali diaspora and their homeland, as our bond with Nepal is getting stronger even though we live miles away from the homeland,” he said.
 
The association also extended heartfelt thanks to all the wineries and restaurants that generously donated their time, food, and wine. “We are also immensely grateful to all our donors, whether you gave online, mailed in your contributions, or joined us in person,” it said. “We thank the City of Sonoma, the City Council, and Sonoma County for their support and partnership.”