B&S Sponsorship

Date Added: Thu 21 June 2007

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We were only too happy to help out B&S client Mel Gillies on a recent charity project high in the Himalayan mountains.

Mel is a Trustee of charity organisation Community Action Nepal who were responsible for building a porter shelter and medical rescue post at Machhermo, high in the Himalayan mountains. The trekkers and climbers who tackle this area of the Himalayas are supported by Nepalese porters who carry food, tents and belongings up and down the valleys and over the high passes. At an altitude of 4410 metres, the valley at Machhermo is long and difficult and every year many of these porters die of altitude sickness and exposure. The shelter and medical centre at Machhermo is a Godsend for these porters providing the food, shelter and treatment that will save their lives.

The shelter was opened by Doug Scott CBE and Dr Jim Duff of Community Action Nepal, in a moving ceremony led by Tenzing Zangbu, Lama of Khunde. Mel Gilles documented the opening ceremony with Fuji film donated by B&S.

The following is a description of the opening day as told by Dr Mary Selby of Community Action Nepal:

“Under bright sunlight, amidst drifting Juniper smoke, monks chanted and played horns and cymbals, and rice was thrown at the new building. A young monk beat a Tibetan drum throughout, and with the slow, regular thud it seemed the heart of Machhermo itself had come alive. It was a joyful day, for this place will save lives: within 48 hours two trekkers had been evacuated and many porters were using the shelter. Machhermo has brought hope for the future of this fragile environment, and for the men who work so incredibly hard and give so much here.”

We were delighted to provide the film used to record this historic occasion.

Find out more about Community Action Nepal at www.canepal.org.uk