Sherpa Education Donation Fund
To the members of the DU community:
I am a DU member and a climber certified as a client with the guide company Alpine Ascents. I have climbed Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker with AAI and am considering attempting Denali as a client on one of their teams next spring. I have not climbed Everest nor do I plan to though I would give my eye-teeth to visit Nepal.
The company through which I climb - Alpine Ascents - recently lost 5 of their Sherpa guides during the preseason setup on the Khumbu Ice fall which must be crossed in order to climb Everest from the Nepal side. As an organization Alpine Ascents and the climbing community it represents has always cared deeply out the well being of our Sherpa guides.
Much discussion has taken place here and I can't comment on some of it. But it is not true that the Western climbers don't care about their Sherpa guides. Quite the contrary is true. The situation is complex. To share some reflections. Sherpa climbers are well paid by their standards and they also are highly regarded in their communities. While the "exploitation" argument may hold to some extent those who advocate it should recognize that Sherpa guides volunteer for these expeditions and in fact positions as climbing Sherpas are highly sought after.
Alpine Ascents is responsibly cancelling this year's Everest climb and is pausing to reflect on the whole program. For many years they have contributed significantly to Sherpa Education programs.
I would like to take this opportunity to give the Sherpa Education fund donation site and say that it is a very worthwhile cause. I know personally two Sherpa guides and both are currently in the United States because they are seeking more opportunities for their children. I can attest to the strong character of both of them.
http://www.sherpaedfund.org/support.html
Thank you for your consideration.
