In trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, a group of eighteen people from around Australia have raised more than AUD$55,646 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
In a quirky twist to the World’s Greatest Shave event, a group of eighteen trekkers from around Australia embarked on what is called ‘The World’s Highest Shave’, the first event of its kind. Fourteen of the group shaved their heads at Lobouche, a village just below Everest Base Camp. The remaining four team members coloured their hair, all supporting the ongoing work of the Leukaemia Foundation.
Organised by Australian trek operator, Getaway Trekking (GT), the trek covered 11 days, with some well-deserved rest and recreation time also spent in Kathmandu.
GT’s Principal Mrs Sue Fitcher was thrilled with the result.
“We weren’t sure how many people would sign up, so our original fundraising goal was a pretty modest AUD$10,000. To have raised the money we have is fantastic.”
Mrs Fitcher was also extremely happy that all eighteen group members reached Everest Base Camp.
“This is a challenging trek, as Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5,364 metres. This means the air is very thin, and makes any activity difficult. We talked with people back in Kathmandu who had, for various reasons, been unable to achieve their goal, so for all of us to make it is brilliant”.
Mrs Fitcher continued by saying “Shaving at Lobouche, at 4,910 metres presented some difficulties. The group had battery operated clippers, knowing a reliable power source may not be available, unfortunately though the cold drained the batteries more quickly than normal which made for a difficult shaving experience! The trekkers also had to sit in a draughty corridor for their ‘haircuts’ as the guesthouse owner was, understandably, reluctant to have his dining area turned into a hairdressing salon! Enthusiasm was not dampened though, even extending to the group’s porters who were keen to be involved and took over shaving responsibilities”.
GTA donated $200 per person to the Leukaemia Foundation in order to kick start the fundraising efforts. Mrs Fitcher also applauded the individual efforts of everyone involved.
“One of our trekkers raised almost AUD$19,000 and is still going! Everyone has done their bit, no matter how large or small. It was a great team effort” she said.
With the success of the 2014 World’s Greatest Shave trek, GTA intends it will become an annual event.
Early bird registrations are now open for the 2015 World’s Highest Shave. This event will include not only the Everest Base Camp trek, but a second trek through the Annapurna Range, with an extension into Tibet – rooftop of the world.The Annapurna Trek experience is considered to be less challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek, opening up the possibility for more people to participate within this unique fundraising initiative.