The Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (formerly the Tibetan Refugee Aid Society) is a non-profit international development organization based in Vancouver, Canada, founded in 1962. We sponsor children and support development projects in Tibet, Nepal, and northern India. History of TRAS.

Map showing locations of current and past TRAS projects.

Celebrating Survival: Tibetan Cultural Festival in Support of Earthquake Relief in Yushu

Sunday July 11, 10am-midnight
VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Vancouver www.tsengdokrinpoche.com/Yushu-Earthquake.htm

On April 14, 2010, a devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Jyekundo, also known as Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. According to China's Xinhua News Agency, 2 220 are confirmed dead and 12 135 injured. Unofficial eye witness accounts indicate that the death toll may be thousands higher. At least 80% of homes were destroyed, and survivors are struggling to rebuild amidst the devastation.

This tragedy has touched the hearts of humanitarians worldwide, and has impacted Tibetan people in deeply personal ways. The population of the quake hit region is 97% Tibetan, including relatives and loved ones of some British Columbia based Tibetans. Immediately after receiving news of the quake, Tibetans from surrounding regions flocked to the quake zone to provide material, spiritual, and moral support, and Tibetans in the global diaspora began collecting donations to support relief efforts.

The Tibetan Cultural Society of British Columbia (TCS) and Tsengdok Rinpoche (head of Tsengdok Monastery, Vancouver) were in the midst of planning a public festival to celebrate and share Tibet's vibrant culture, as it lives within Tibetans of BC. On hearing news of the earthquake they immediately redirected their intention, deciding that all proceeds would be directed to relief efforts.

"If every one of us can help people in need, even a little, it will make this world a more beautiful place for everyone", said Tsengdok Rinpoche. "Right now, the people of Yushu region are in desperate need. Come join us to celebrate the uniqueness of Tibetan culture, and help people in Yushu."

Tibet Fest is a celebration of culture and community, and a call to action in support of earthquake survivors.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday July 11, 2010
Time: 10:00 a.m. to midnight
Location: Van Dusen Botanical Garden, Floral Room, 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver
Admission by Donation: $5.00 (suggested)
Contact: 604-726-3869, info@tsengdokrinpoche.com

The packed program includes Tibetan food, music, dance, films, and sacred arts such as sand mandala, butter sculpture, and thangka painting.

Event Program

On April 25, 2010, TCS, Tsengdok Monastery, non-profit organizations, Buddhist groups and concerned individuals, came together in Vancouver to form a coalition, "Compassionate Action for Yushu/Jyekundo" (rebuildyushu.org). This fundraising event is in solidarity with coalition members and in support of their work. Member organizations of the coalition will be present at Tibet Fest to provide information and answer questions about their work. Donations are welcome on July 11 at Tibet Fest, or through the organizations' websites. For more information and links to member organizations, refer to rebuildyushu.org and click "donate".

Posted 6 July 2010

48th Annual General Meeting

The 48th Annual General Meeting of the Trans-Himalayan Aid Society will be held at Langara College in Vancouver, on Wednesday June 9, 2010, at 7:30 pm, in Room A122b.

A short business meeting will be followed by a talk by TRAS member Brian Sheffield.

We are delighted that Brian will give a presentation about his recent trek around the Manaslu area in Nepal. This relatively unknown region could become the next very popular trekking area in Nepal. Brian walked through some of the most spectacular, intact forests of huge old growth trees and rhododendrons he has ever seen in Nepal. Tourism offers the best income generation potential for the local people, but much needs to be done to help them achieve good results without damaging the more-or-less pristine area.

There will be handicrafts for sale, and refreshments.

Please contact the TRAS office (604-224-5133) or visit the TRAS website (www.tras.ca) nearer the time for more details. We look forward to seeing you there!

Posted 4 May 2010; updated 20 May 2010

Sutherland Secondary's 24h Fast for Buddha Academy

Thanks to the Mosaic Multicultural Club at Sutherland Secondary in North Vancouver, which hosted a 24-hour fast, raising over $2500 for Buddha Academy in Kathmandu!

Photos by Wendy Matsubichi; slideshow.

The Mosaic Multicultural Club hosted Sutherland's 24-Hour "Fast for Funds", with over $2500 raised by coaxing donations from families, friends, neighbours and workmates. Proceeds go to help improve the lives of children and teens at the Buddha Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal. While carrying on with our regular school days, the 60 participants fasted and spread the word about the basic literacy and vocational training provided for each student at the boarding school. Fasters also learned about TRAS, the Trans Himalayan Aid Society which supports education, vocational training and health projects for children and youth...and the Nepal Library Foundation which promotes literacy and libraries for rural communities which until recent times were forbidden any books at all. Special thanks to our 3 guest speakers, and to Sutherland teachers and student teachers who supervised, and to Safeway, Blenz & Montreal Bagels...not to forget Mr Cadman who contributed extra photos to this album!

Yushu Earthquake Relief

[Update: for more information, see rebuildyushu.org.]

TRAS is deeply saddened by the earthquake in Yushu in Qinghai Province of China, and the tragic deaths, injury and damage that have ensued. Funds are urgently needed for relief and reconstruction efforts. Canadian donors can donate to the following two reputable organizations and receive a tax receipt. Each has long experience in the region and will make sure funds are used wisely and well. Machik also issues tax receipts to donors from the US.

Machik Canada: www.machik.org

Machik Canada is a branch of Machik, based in Washington DC. Go to www.machik.org, and follow the instructions for Canadian donors. Under Fund Designation, select: "Jyekundo Earthquake Relief".

Rokpa Canada: www.rokpa.ca

Rokpa Canada is a branch of Rokpa International. Rokpa provides medical and education and other support in Yushu.

Spring 2010 Newsletter

TRAS publishes a newsletter three times each year. Our Spring 2010 newsletter was recently mailed out. You can also read it online, in PDF format.

Posted 27 April 2010

The Sari Soldiers, Friday May 14

TRAS members may be interested in The Sari Soldiers, a film about the recent conflict in Nepal. It will be screened as part of the 2010 DOXA Documentary Film Festival, on Friday May 14 at 6:30 pm, at Pacific Cinematheque in downtown Vancouver.

From the DOXA website:

Julie Bridgham's film was shot over three of the most tumultuous years in Nepalese history. King Gyanendra's decision to dissolve parliament and seize power was met with fierce opposition, and as the country was riven by civil war, ordinary families were caught in between. Anyone criticizing government action could be disappeared and never seen again.

When a woman named Devi Sunuwar spoke out about government brutality, the army kidnapped her daughter Marin, in lieu of Devi herself. For more than three years, Devi tries to discover her daughter's fate, helped along by fierce lawyer and human rights activist Mandira. "We have to speak, and speaking about justice is not a crime," says Mandira.

In the rural areas of Nepal, Maoist rebels recruited female soldiers and the Royal Army soon followed suit. In the urban centre, Ram Kumari, a young student protester demonstrates in the street. "We had democracy and it was stolen," she says. "There can be no compromise."

Whether they're leading protests against government corruption or trying to uncover the truth behind a vanished child, each of the women in The Sari Soldiers faces incredibly difficult choices and decisions. The film does not stint on the complexity of the political situation, which can almost be bewildering at times, but beneath the banner of Maoist guerilla, government soldier, or student activist, these are individual women trying hard to make moral decisions and fight for what they believe in.

Advance tickets are available from the DOXA website.

Posted 15 April 2010

No 2010 Nepali Film Festival

Unfortunately we haven't been able to get any new films from Nepal this year, so we won't be holding the annual Nepali Film Festival in 2010. We're planning to hold the next Nepali Film Festival in March or April 2011.

Posted 22 February 2010

Winter 2009 Newsletter

TRAS publishes a newsletter three times each year. Our Winter 2009 newsletter was recently mailed out. You can also read it online, in PDF format.

Posted 10 December 2009

TIBETANS IN EXILE book launch, Sunday October 18

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED BY THE TRANS-HIMALAYAN AID SOCIETY (TRAS) AND CANADA INDIA VILLAGE AID (CIVA)

TO A BOOK LAUNCH OF

TIBETANS IN EXILE: THE DALAI LAMA AND THE WOODCOCKS

A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE WOODCOCKS AND THE HISTORY OF TRAS AND CIVA

Please join TRAS and CIVA at a reception to honour author Alan Twigg and publisher Ron Hatch

DATE: Sunday October 18, 2009
TIME: 7:30 - 9:30pm
LOCATION: VANCOUVER RACQUETS CLUB LOUNGE,
4867 Ontario St., Vancouver (Ontario and 33rd - for parking directions, see below)

PLEASE RSVP TO TRAS: 604-224-5133 or tras@portal.ca by Tuesday October 13

Includes a special screening of George Woodcock: The Anarchist of Cherry Street, a short film by Alan Twigg

The Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) and Canada India Village Aid (CIVA) are excited to announce the publication of a new book about George and Ingeborg Woodcock, who founded the Tibetan Refugee Aid Society (now Trans-Himalayan Aid Society) in 1962. In TIBETANS IN EXILE: THE DALAI LAMA AND THE WOODCOCKS, Vancouver author Alan Twigg has recovered the amazing story of how George and Inge, while travelling in northern India in 1961, encountered many of the Tibetan refugees who had recently fled over the mountain passes. Appalled by the condition of the children--huddled together with inadequate bedding and clothing, surviving on a diet of thin soup and steamed dumplings--the Woodcocks vowed to help. Hearing of this, one of the Tibetans said, "You absolutely must come and see uncle." This was Khando Yapshi, the Dalai Lama's niece. Among the first Westerners to meet with the Dalai Lama, the Woodcocks offered to campaign to provide humanitarian assistance. This was the genesis for TRAS, one of the two remarkable non-profit charities spearheaded by the Woodcocks--the other being Canada India Village Aid (CIVA)--that have touched the lives of millions.

TIBETANS IN EXILE is a fitting tribute to the Woodcocks. It puts a human face on grassroots international aid, while telling the story of this rather eccentric, extremely compassionate and generous couple. It is an inspiring example of the fact that, yes, one person can make a difference.

TIBETANS IN EXILE is now in print, available in person at the TRAS office (Mon-Thurs, 10:00am-4:00pm; phone first 604-224-5133), in bookstores, or online at www.ronsdalepress.com. 272 pp, 60 b&w photos.

Directions and Parking: The Vancouver Racquets Club is situated on the northwest corner of 33rd and Ontario. Plenty of street parking is available (the car park is for members only). Map: www.vrc.bc.ca/faqs.html

Light refreshments, cash bar available

We look forward to seeing you!

Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) www.tras.ca
Canada India Village Aid (CIVA) www.civaid.ca

Posted 20 September 2009; updated 6 October 2009

Fall 2009 Newsletter

TRAS publishes a newsletter three times each year. Our Fall 2009 newsletter was recently mailed out. You can also read it online, in PDF format.

Posted 24 September 2009

Spiti Valley Community Health Project Presentation

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009

Time: 7 to 9 pm

Where: UBC Medical Student & Alumni Centre, 2750 Heather St. (corner of Heather and 12th Ave), Vancouver. Room: Hardwick Hall.

Entry by donation. All proceeds will support the children in Munsel Ling School in Spiti, North India.

Join TRAS and the UBC Global Health Initiative for an informative, stimulating evening about the Spiti Valley Community Health Project!

The UBC medical students who travelled to the remote Himalayan valley of Spiti in North India this summer will be presenting a summary of their community health project in collaboration with Munsel-ling School. This is the third year of a project that was started in 2007.

Posted 20 September 2009; updated 1 October 2009

Spring 2009 Newsletter

TRAS publishes a newsletter three times each year. Our Spring 2009 newsletter was recently mailed out. You can also read it online, in PDF format.

Posted 3 March 2009

Himalayan Evening at Argyle Secondary School, Tuesday March 10

"Come join us at Argyle Secondary School for our sixth annual Himalayan Evening. In addition to our traditional South Asian Buffet, we have Nancy Sherpa's fine Nepalese jewelry on sale and crafts from the Trans Himalayan Aid Society and Nepal Libraries Foundation. This years speaker is Kevin Vallely, who is one of the three Canadians who have just recently returned from their record setting, self powered trek to the South Pole. For an evening of great food, inspirational adventures and perhaps some very early Christmas shopping, why not drop by Argyle and have a great evening while supporting a worth cause. All funds raised by this event help sponsor two Nepalese orphans at the Buddha Academy in Katmandu. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday March 10th in the Argyle library."

Posted 17 February 2009

Community Events: Tibet: Murder in the Snow

Film presentation: Tibet: Murder in the Snow
Friday March 20, 7:30 pm
Langara College, Theatre A130
100 W. 49th Ave.
Suggested donation $10

"In September 2006, international mountain climbers witnessed and recorded Chinese border police as they opened fire on a group of unarmed Tibetan pilgrims escaping to Nepal . Using the original climber footage, reenactments and interviews with Witnesses and survivors, Tibet: Murder in the Snow tells of young Tibetans who risk their lives each year to illegally cross the rugged Himalaya Mountains in an attempt to see their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, or attend school in India."

A special film presentation by Langara College Continuing Studies and The Canada Tibet Committee.

Posted 17 February 2009

Nepali Film Festival: March 29, 2009

The 4th annual Nepali Film Festival will take place this year on Sunday March 29, 2009 from 11 am to 6:30 pm at Langara College.

Come and explore the many facets of Nepal through the eyes of talented Nepali filmmakers. The one-day festival will be a fundraiser for TRAS-funded projects supporting the health and education of children and youth in Nepal.

We hope to see you there! If you would like to help out, please let us know.

TRAS Nepali Film Festival Committee
tras@portal.ca
604-224-5133

Posted 28 December 2008; updated 4 March 2009

Community Events: Talk by Dr. Tsering Shakya

Tibet 50 Years on: 1959-2009
Monday March 2, 7pm
Cafe Kathmandu, 2779 Commercial Dr. (at 12th Avenue), Vancouver

"A world renowned expert on contemporary Tibet, Tsering Shakya will share his knowledge and insights into the challenges faced by Tibetans, and the rhythms, passions, and motivations that have sustained them for the past five decades. His research and collaborative work with Tibetans from all walks of life has provided him rare windows into the lived experiences, hopes and dreams of Tibetans in Tibet. In this talk he will discuss contemporary contexts and conditions within Tibet, 50 years after the momentous 1959 uprising that led to the Dalai LamaÎéÎ÷s escape to India, and the exodus of over 80 000 refugees, on foot over the Himalayas.

"Dr. Tsering Shakya is Canadian Research Chair in Religion and Contemporary Society in Asia, Institute for Asian Research, UBC. His published works include The Dragon in the Land of Snows: A History of Modern Tibet Since 1947 (Pimlico, London 1999) which was acclaimed as "the definitive history of modern Tibet" by the New York Times. The book is the first comprehensive account of Tibet's recent history. He is also author of Fire Under the Snow: The Testimony of a Tibetan Prisoner--Palden Gyatso (Harvill Press, London, 1998)."

This event launches Canada Tibet Committee's "Tibet Month", Vancouver, 2009.
For information on other Tibet Month events: www.tibet.ca/en/vancouver

Posted 17 February 2009

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