The President's Report

My report gave a brief description of my trip to Nepal and stated that the purpose of the trip was to visit on-going projects in Solu Khumbu and to meet the key people working for the Foundation. The Board was informed that the Forestry Headquarters as well as the Kunde Hospital and the Khumjung Village School were visited. I also met up with Ms Nima McElhinney, Director, in Kathmandu that resulted in the final approval of the Women’s Literacy Program.

Updates were provided on the following:

Sagarmatha Forest Project – I received an extensive tour of the Project and an outline of the other two nurseries in Tashinga and Portse. Concern was raised about handing over control of the Reforestation initiatives to the Buffer Zone leadership committee of Sherpas.

Kunde Hospital - I was impressed with how competently the Hospital was run. The Hospital has a “wish list” of items needed. The Hospital staff has also requested uniforms, and the suggestion was to request a corporate sponsor.

Dr. Kami suggested converting the waiting building into either accommodation for visiting medical staff or to a dental clinic, thus offering full medical service to the region. The Board liked the idea of a dental clinic but wanted input from Ang Rita and Dr. Kami on the topic. A request was made to hire the female nurse, Nima, on a full-time basis and felt that the current budget could accommodate that request.

Ms Lynda Visosky, Director, and her trekking party while in Nepal raised half of the cost to assist with the purchase of an oxygenator for the Kunde Hospital, and the Board agreed to fund the additional amount.

The Foundation is in the process of creating a brochure, underway by Robert Kolbuc, Director, to have at the Kunde Hospital to allow trekkers to understand that the Hospital is funded by the Canadian operation.

Khumjung School – I visited the Khumjung School to check out the education offered compared to the school in Kathmandu. Besides the curriculum, English was the main subject that the Sherpas wanted their children to learn to keep up with the Nepalese children. I also found out that they did not teach Grades 11 and 12 and the children had to go to the City to continue their education. The Sherpas are concerned about the well-being of their children. On my return to Kathmandu, I spoke to the Sherpa Committee to put together an alternate plan and also spoke to the Foreign Secretary on the subject and received a response from him to say that he would look at it in a positive manner. The issue of whether or not the Foundation was interested in supporting the school financially was raised. Ang Rita was requested to report on the possibility of opening a satellite school.

Marketing/Fund Raising – Byron Smith, Director, reported that he has commenced work on black tie dinner and auction in Calgary on Thursday, October 23 at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary. Ashley Whicher, Director, reported that the black tie dinner and auction in Toronto will be held on Wednesday, October 29 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel and all systems are go! Herb Paterson, Director, suggested a new fund raising event in Victoria with guests of honour, Peter Hillary and the former Premier of B.C., Hon. Mike Harcourt, theme being “Courage”. The Board encouraged Mr. Paterson to lead this event.

Green Committee – The establishing of a Green Committee has proven to be very timely, and I spoke to the Sherpa Committee to look into the matter and have recommendations ready by October.

In conclusion, my trip to Nepal was a great success and provided me with valuable insight into programs of the past, present and future.

Karen O’Connor

Download the September 2008 Presidents Report