Everest Challenge to raise funds

trevor.kenney — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:53:32 +0000

Climbers at the U of L are back for a fourth time to take on The Everest Challenge.

Beginning on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., three teams of climbers will climb just over 8,848 m (29,029 ft), the equivalent height of Mount Everest, on the indoor climbing wall at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Ascent Climbing Centre. The event will continue non-stop over the next 24 hours.

"This year, participants will climb the wall a minimum of 60 times each, with added challenges such as a snow blindness challenge in which climbers will climb blindfolded," says Nicole Sutherland, U of L Climbing Club President. "The Everest Challenge provides us with something to train for, and allows us to push ourselves for a good cause. I believe this year will be the most exciting yet, because we have finally perfected the logistics of the event."

Founded by a group of Rotaract students in 2009, and in collaboration with the Climbing Club, the group has raised nearly $7,500 (over 650,000 Nepalese rupees) from friends, family, and local businesses, to support the non-profit organization Uphill Both Ways, which furthers development in Nepal by funding construction and donating school supplies.

"The funds raised will go to furthering education and public health initiatives in Nepal," says Drew Andreachuk, a U of L student who has worked first-hand in Nepal supporting the cause, "It's hard to describe my time in Nepal but the kindness and love that the people have shown me there is astounding. I know we are making a difference and by donating and coming to climb you are making a difference too!"

Just a few Canadian dollars can supply a child with books and school supplies, a few hundred dollars can equip a classroom with desks and a blackboard, and a few thousand dollars can provide an entire school clean drinking water.

The Everest Challenge is not just a fundraiser and a place for climbers to show what they're made of; it is an open invitation to the public for an opportunity to learn more about climbing. Everyone is encouraged to come out on Friday and Saturday and climb, donate and cheer on the climbers.

To learn more about Everest Challenge, visit this link. To learn more about Uphill Both Ways, visit this link.

UNews - Nicole Sutherland

Everest Challenge to raise funds

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