Fast named honorary Everest trekker

Abbotsford MP Ed Fast has been named honorary trekker in the Everestforkids project to help needy children come to camp.

Everestforkids, sponsored by B.C. Mennonite Brethren Camp Ministries, will feature at least five individuals trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp in Nepal, an elevation of 18,200 feet (5547 m.), next April.

Camp Ministries board member Ron Geddert initiated the concept as a way to raise “camperships” for the five camps operated by the province’s MB churches. Trekkers cover their own costs; all donations – based on per-foot-of-elevation gain – go to the project.

As an honorary trekker, Fast will lend visibility and public support in the constituency.

“I believe that every child should have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience,” Fast said. “I personally benefitted greatly from many summers spent at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre and Camp Squeah.”

The five trekkers, so far, are Ron Geddert and Rick Friesen of Abbotsford, James Toews and Iain Donaldson of Nanaimo, and Kristy Benson of Grand Forks.