Skip to content

East Kootenay trekkers to return to Nepal

One year later, help still needed in Himalayan nation

This week marks the one year anniversary of the massive earthquake that rocked Nepal last April 25.

And despite worldwide fundraising efforts, Nepal remains a country in need, as many are still homeless and in need of basic items.

As soon as the earthquake hit last year, East Kootenay fundraising began. A fundraiser, reaching out from one mountain town to another, was held at Centennial Hall on May 10 and raised $5,000. These funds were sent to victims in the Langtang, Tsum and Manaslu areas.

A group of local trekkers including Bobbie Seifried, Veronica Paauw, and Shauna Jimenez trekked to these areas in November 2015.

“We were guided by some of the local fund-recipients of Tsum and Nubri areas, and were able to witness some of the repairs and upgrades being made within these heavily damaged areas,” Jimenez said.  “Lucky for these trekkers, vital bridge and trail repairs were finalized the day before we crossed into the highest areas.

“Earthquake victims expressed gratitude both for the generous funds sent by EK residents, and for the solidarity between mountains folks, expressed by trekking back into their areas as soon as possible. The locals said that this encouraged them to believe that trekkers will return to their areas and that their lives will return to normal in these damaged areas of rural Nepal.  They also appreciated the opportunity to share their stories of survival and determination with mountains allies.”

The trekkers got together this week to remember their time in Nepal and to plan another trek to the Tsum and Manaslu areas in November, 2016.

Jimenez says they would like to encourage others to join them, especially those in the medical field.

“On last year’s trek, some local residents requested that we try to find some doctors, nurses and/or dentists to come visit these areas on our next trek,” she said.

If anyone is interested, medical folks especially but not only), please contact Shauna Jimenez (250 422 3259 or sjoutdoors7@gmail.com)

 

 



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
Read more