KATHMANDU: The Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA (SPFU), has contributed approximately Rs 15 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund to support people affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.
The SPFU, an organization of non-resident Nepalis based in Southern California, raised USD 99,063.44 for flood relief through contributions from more than 300 individuals and organizations.
After deducting USD 1,189.01 in bank and payment processing fees, the foundation transferred the remaining USD 97,874.43 to the Government of Nepal’s Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, SPFU President Bimal Shrestha said.
The contribution was announced during a virtual programme held via Zoom in the presence of officials from the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., foundation officials and representatives of various organizations.
The foundation said the initiative reflected the patriotism, compassion and social responsibility of Nepalis living abroad who remain committed to supporting communities affected by disasters in their homeland.
The SPFU has also supported relief and assistance programmes following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.
Established to preserve and promote Nepali culture, heritage and language internationally, while highlighting Nepal’s identity as the birthplace of Pashupatinath and Buddha, the foundation has also been working on projects to build a temple, a Buddha stupa and an integrated cultural centre in California.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C., commended the foundation for bringing individuals and organizations together for a common humanitarian cause.
The embassy noted that such initiatives demonstrate the important role of Nepali diaspora organizations in supporting disaster relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts while strengthening ties between Nepalis living abroad and their homeland.