DECKED out in a variety of Nepalese and mountaineering-themed outfits, the Moree community continued to show its generosity towards the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF), raising over $3000 at the Yaama Ganu Gallery on Tuesday night.
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The gallery filled as many Moree-ites gathered to enjoy delicious Nepalese fare prepared by Toby Osmond and hear from AHF chairman Simon Balderstone AM and Bhim Bogati from Kathmandu, Nepal.
Dr. Scott Finlay, supported enthusiastically by his three daughters, spoke movingly of his experience on the 2016 Chairman's Trek.
“I was very impressed by the way locals go away to train and then return to provide medical assistance for their communities. They do a fantastic job with very limited resources, and it makes you realise just how fortunate we are in this country,” he said.
Sascha Estens not only showed her superb videos of Nepalese life, its mountains and the aftermath of the massive earthquake but also conducted a question-and-answer session with Moree trekkers.
Howard Meppem spoke of his excruciating experience climbing the hill to Namche Baazar.
“I had absolutely nothing left,” he said.
Linda Meppem said, “It was an inspiration to see all those young children walking, often running and overtaking us, for two hours just to get to school”.
Dick Estens AO described the perils of aviation in the Himalayas, especially what he considered “the most dangerous airport in the world” Lukla, through which the trekkers arrived and departed.
The community continued to support the work of the AHF generously through raffles and silent auctions.
The prize for the best dressed went to Merri-May Gill and Fiona Claus, who were faithfully dressed as 1920s mountaineers. Dick presented Howard with a cake of yak soap as a memento of his battles to find hot showers in Nepal.
Dick and Sascha previously visited Moree Secondary College, Carol Avenue and Pallamallawa Public School for Bhim to see schooling in Australia and tell the students of the experience of their Nepalese peers.
While in Brisbane, Damien Butler arranged for Bhim to visit a school where the pupils were preparing science experiments and lessons for use in very poorly resourced Nepalese schools.
“We are so grateful to the “Moree Mob” for its fantastic support of the people of Nepal,” concluded Simon Balderstone.
