On the 29th of May 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay successfully completed the first ascent of Mount Everest, a feat of extraordinary resilience and leadership.
What is Everest Day?
Everest Day is a celebration of this remarkable achievement and an opportunity to honour the lasting legacy of Sir Ed. In his lifetime he had a profound impact in the communities of the Everest region through providing access to quality education, safe water, and better healthcare.
This legacy lives on today through the ongoing work of The Himalayan Trust, who have become a global champion for these communities. The work of the Trust continues to have a lasting and meaningful impact for the people of the region.
Over the years, New Zealand has cultivated a global reputation for exceptional leadership. Often defined as visionary, resilient and committed to making a difference. For 60 years these ideals have been exemplified by Sir Edmund Hillary and The Himalayan Trust. #Everest Day is a chance for every New Zealander to share in that history of visionary leadership.
It all began in the early 1960s when Sir Ed asked a Sherpa: “If there was anything I could do for the Sherpa people, what do you think that would be?”
The Sherpa replied: “Our children have eyes but they are blind and cannot see. We would like you to open their eyes by building a school in our village.”
Edmund Hillary, Khumbu 1960.
How can we make a difference?
The funds raised will go towards The Himalayan Trust’s ongoing efforts to increase:
- access to quality education,
- develop healthcare services,
- and enable access to clean and healthy water access throughout the region.
Himalayan Trust believes in sustainable development and the importance of empowering Sherpa people to make meaningful change.
80 Houses in Musey Village with Safe Drinking Water.
In 2019 Himalayan Trust finished a water filtration and distribution system for the village of Musey in Solukhumbu after the previous system was destroyed in the Nepal Earthquakes.
The new system supports the needs of 300 people as well as providing water for irrigation and fire hydrants.
Donating a Fiver this Everest day can enable important water systems to be built.
Two Healthcare Workers now supporting Pregnant Women and Babies in Bung.
In the remote far western region of Solukhumbu is a healthcare clinic for women and babies. In this area the nearest clinic is 2-3 days walk away. There is a vital need for support for pregnant women.
This ongoing project funds the training and support of two local healthcare workers so that they can provide the life-saving support to almost 5,000 locals
On the 29th of May we ask that you support Ed Hillarys legacy and give a Fiver for Ed so that his Himalayan Trust can continue his vital work.
A message from Himalayan Trusts chairperson of the Board and Ed Hillary’s son.
On the anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest on the 29th of May, 2021, we will celebrate ‘Everest Day’ for my father’s Himalayan Trust. As the chairperson of the board I am proud to continue my family’s legacy and provide essential support to the people of the Solu Khumbu in the Mt Everest region.
The Hillary family has a close relationship with the people of Everest as do many New Zealanders. The close ties between Nepal and New Zealand have held strong since my father summited Mt Everest in 1953 alongside Tenzing Norgay.
So what are we doing for Everest Day? By giving a ‘Fiver for Ed’ you can support education, health and environmental programmes in Nepal, to which Ed dedicated much of his life. If we all give $5 we can make a huge difference to Nepal as they struggle to get through the pandemic and the impacts on their mountain economy.
Thank you for your support.
Peter Hillary
Join us for a dinner in Christchurch celebrating Everest Day.
In addition to the Auckland Everest Day launch there will be a dinner in the Christchurch for all Himalayan Trust supporters there. The evening at Arjee Bhajee restaurant will feature speeches by Kaji Sherpa and Phurenje Sherpa as well as some traditional Sherpa dancing! There is also an opportunity to win two signed books about the Himalaya in the evenings raffle. We look forward to seeing you there!