This February, Bruce Heller, a dedicated humanitarian and ShelterBox USA response team member from Allen, Texas, is taking on a monumental challenge—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. But this isn’t just a personal bucket list adventure; it’s a mission to raise funds and awareness for displaced families worldwide.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Heller shares. “When I realized I could combine it with supporting ShelterBox USA, the decision was easy.”

A Life Committed to Disaster Relief
Heller is no stranger to humanitarian work. Over the years, he has deployed with ShelterBox ten times, delivering life-saving aid to disaster zones across the globe. His efforts have taken him to Iraq, Peru, Kenya/Somalia, the Philippines (three times), Haiti, Fiji, and even Houston, Texas. Each mission came with unique challenges—government restrictions, logistical nightmares, and unpredictable conditions—but Heller’s commitment never wavered.

One deployment that sticks with him was in 2012 when devastating floods along the Amazon River in Peru left entire communities in crisis. “You lie awake thinking about the people you’ve seen who desperately need help,” he recalls. “You beat yourself up for not being able to make things happen fast enough.” After ten grueling days navigating bureaucratic red tape and logistical hurdles, Heller and his team finally reached a remote, flooded village, providing families with tents and essential supplies. The gratitude they received was overwhelming—hugs, tears, and heartfelt thanks from those they helped.

A Family Bonded by Adventure and Service
For Heller, this climb is about more than just making a difference—it’s also about family. He’ll be joined on the trek by his three adult sons: Jason, Ryan, and Collin, each of whom has been shaped by their father’s adventurous and humanitarian spirit.

The Heller family is spread across the globe—Jason lives in Singapore, Ryan in Allen, Texas, and Collin in London—but they have always made time for adventure. From exploring the Rocky Mountains to hiking the Grand Canyon and trekking through Switzerland, their shared experiences have forged an unbreakable bond. Their Texas-based development firm, JaRyCo, even reflects that connection, named after the first two letters of each son’s name.

On February 18, the family will meet in Africa to begin their ascent of Kilimanjaro together—this time, with a mission that extends far beyond themselves.

From a Single Act to a Global Mission
Heller’s journey with ShelterBox USA began in 2011 when his Rotary Club of Allen Sunrise sponsored two emergency aid boxes for Haiti. That simple act of generosity sparked a deep passion for disaster relief, leading to years of hands-on involvement with the organization. Today, ShelterBox has helped nearly three million people worldwide, providing emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to families displaced by conflict and natural disasters.

With a perfect 100% rating on Charity Navigator and two Nobel Peace Prize nominations, ShelterBox continues to be a global leader in humanitarian aid. And now, Heller is doing his part to ensure even more families receive the help they desperately need.

Join the Journey
With an estimated 120 million people currently displaced worldwide, Heller’s climb is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a call to action. Every step he and his sons take up Kilimanjaro is a step toward providing relief for those who need it most.

Want to support the cause? Follow Heller’s journey and contribute to his fundraising efforts by visiting their page here. 

Together, we can turn this climb into hope for families across the world.