Seattle, WA - Continuing to build a bond of friendship between Northwest mountaineers and the people of Nepal, Seattle's Red Lantern Journeys is organizing its ninth annual Mt. Rainier Climb for Himalayan Children. In mid-July, 18 participants will climb two different routes on Mt. Rainier, led by six experienced climbers-many with Himalaya mountaineering experience. The money raised supports the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children, a St. Louis based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports children's educational causes in Nepal.
"This climb is more than just a fundraiser. It is part of our commitment to help others in the countries we do business in," says Ambrose Bittner, the founder of Red Lantern Journeys and a board member of the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children. "Even small companies and non-profits can make big impacts on the lives of others, and this climb is part of our effort towards that goal. I'm incredibly proud that Mitrata supports the education, healthcare, and housing of over 100 children in Nepal through its programs.
Bittner was also a friend of Dorje Khatri, a Nepalese climbing guide, who summited Mt. Everest 11 times, but was one of the 16 Nepali Sherpas who were killed in the tragic avalanche on Mt. Everest in April of this year. Bittner says that he is dedicating his climb this year to Dorje and the family he left behind. "Dorje was a kind soul and true friend that I made sure to visit whenever I was in Kathmandu. Besides guiding, he was involved in many things including union activities for Sherpas and being a speaker on climate change at international conferences. But he also spared time to visit the Mitrata programs in Nepal with me. I was truly touched by that. "
In the past nine years, Red Lantern Journeys has raised over $200,000 for the Mitrata programs in Nepal. Participants in the Climb for Himalayan Children need no prior mountaineering experience-just a commitment to get in shape and raise a minimum of $1,500 in sponsorships. However every year, Red Lantern Journeys awards the biggest fundraiser with a free trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal. This year's climb takes place from Thursday, July 17, to Saturday, July 19.
Red Lantern Journeys specializes in arranging cultural tours and adventure travel packages in Asia for independent travelers and private groups with a focus on responsible travel and unique cultural experiences.
For more information, or to participate in the actual climb, visit here.
See a short, four-minute video of one of the climbs on YouTube