Published January 5, 2009 02:05PM
I just got an e-mail from friends Steve and Lila Wagner in Sun Valley, Idaho. Steve’s an old Everest 1963 team member who now spends much of his time helping Indian and Nepalese villagers by coordinating shipments of donated gear, clothing, and medical equipment bound for the Himalayas. The note said simply:
“Phursumba (Sherpa, who works with the Himalayan Institute in Darjeeling) called today as he does most holidays. He asked me to be on the lookout for shoes and clothing that I could send to Darjeeling. It seems that there are many people at 9,000 feet that are walking around without shoes and warm clothes this winter.”
As an FYI to readers: This is where all my excess test gear ends up. If it’s not returned to manufacturers, or they specifically don’t want it back, it all gets sent to Steve and assembled for shipment to Darjeeling.
So, CALLING ALL SHOES AND WARM CLOTHING!
C’mon Backpacker gearheads, let’s cough up! That closet clutter could be keeping somebody warm.
If you’ve got old gear you don’t use, or shoes that no longer fit, box ’em up and ship ’em to the address below via U.S. Post Office or UPS. Ground shipping’s fine.
If you’re a manufacturer with seconds, overruns, bad dye lots, etc., then give me a call and I’ll put you in touch with Steve.
Clothes for Darjeeling
C/O Steve Wagner
106 Timber Way (Green Horn)
Sun Valley, ID 83353
(Use P.O. Box 2580 if shipping U.S. Mail)
There now: Doesn’t it feel good to start the New Year right? — Steve Howe