When we think of mountaineering, people wearing heavy jackets full of down, waterproof and breathable trousers, hiking boots etc come to mind. However, two young adventurers from Australia have recently returned from an attempt to climb Island Peak (6,189 m) in the Everest region, while wearing their finest business suits. This may seem strange, especially as this winter the mercury has fallen below -25 degree Celsius.
Danny Roberts-Clarke and David Grech attempted Island Peak, also known as Imja Tse, with a mission to donate funds to a local orphanage in Pokhara with the funds they raised. David shared that the idea for Suited Escapades came from a trip to Nepal in 2012 to visit Everest Base Camp.
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“It was during this trip that it became clear to me. I am so fortunate to have the time and opportunity to partake in these amazing things while so many others will never get the chance. From that moment onwards I decided that for every unique adventure I took part in, I would do my best to raise money or awareness for a local cause.”
He said that they had been to the Base Camp in their business suits for 19 days of trekking. “We had 3 business suits, 2 business shirts 5 ties and a briefcase,” he said. “I hope to use this inaugural Suited Escapade to inspire others to challenge themselves, whilst also showing that it is possible to both have fun and help those in need.” Asked about the risk during the adventure, he responded, “At 6,189 metres in the Himalayan winter with temperatures reaching -35°C a thirst for adventure and a worthy cause is all that is driving us.”
These two adventurers, in conjunction with an Australian organisation called Peters Project have raised €40,000 for the Creative Childrens Development Project in Pokhara, Kaski. CCDP is an NGO that helps by supporting children affected by poverty, leprosy or broken families by offering them an education and a safe place to live.
“We are helping to raise money for a new building to house around 17 children in Pokhara, so that they may have a safer and healthier environment in which to live, learn and grow,” he said. These young students have already participated in charity work in many countries, including their homeland Australia.
Lauding their charity and adventure works, Danny said that it was their duty as a foreign tourist, whose flights may have cost more than a local’s yearly salary, to give back to the local people. “Helping local organisations further develop their capacity to provide their services is extremely important”, he said.
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This demonstrates how much of an impact local charities supported by others can make in a community that needs their help. “Nepal is somewhere I have always wanted to visit. My father worked there as a guide for some time before I was born, and had always planned to take the family to see his spiritual home. We never got that chance, as he passed away in 2006″ Danny said. “This journey will bring me closer to him, and let me experience the place he loved so much,” he said.