Give a fiver for Ed and help give the gift of education
The achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay astounded the world in 1953. Together with, and thanks to their expedition team, they became the first humans to climb to the very top of Mount Everest. That much is well documented, with the news even breaking on the dawn of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation back in London to add to the drama and delight.
However, their achievement did not stop there. The team was struck by the harsh living conditions and lack of resources experienced by those who called the Everest region of Nepal home.
It all started when a young boy from the village of Khumjung presented Hilary with a petition asking for help on behalf of his community and his friends. It read:
“We have eyes but we cannot see; we have ears but we cannot hear.
We know there is a big world out there, will you help us to have a school?”
Taking action
Moved by this into taking real action, the team of climbers embarked upon an extraordinary series of international fundraising initiatives, lectures and events across the world. A global network of charitable trusts and foundations quickly followed. Money is still being raised to this day, all around the world, which funds several important projects in the area.
Arguably, some of the most important of these projects revolve around education. Harking back to the young boy’s initial plea, a large amount of money has been raised to promote teacher training, fund scholarships for post-16 study, build and equip schools and provide books and other reading resources to enable ongoing learning.
Now it is your turn to help with this worthwhile cause. In this platinum anniversary year, the Himalayan Trust in New Zealand are working toward a goal to raise $150,000 to help with education projects of all kinds in the region. Here’s how your donations could help:
- $5 will help fund vital work in the area to bring education and opportunities to more young people
- $25 will purchase reading corner resources to help students enjoy the magic of the written word
- $50 will fund a school kit for one student for a whole year
- $200 will pay for in-classroom training for four teachers
Click here (Everest Day – Give a Fiver for Ed) to find out how you can ‘Give a fiver for Ed’ and help his Himalayan legacy live on. In this important 70th anniversary year, we welcome all donations, no matter how large or small.
Thank you for playing your part in helping us make a difference to the people of Nepal.
