KatKids’ Event to Celebrate Trekkers
On Friday, March 11th, the Kathmandu Kids Club [KatKids] will celebrate the fifteen men and women who participated in the ISIS Trek For Kids 2010 in Humla, a remote and undeveloped region of Nepal.
The Bermuda-based charity will also recognize its five-year anniversary and thank the community for their support in raising funds for the care of children in serious need in Nepal.
KatKids, a unique volunteer fundraising group, was formed in 2006 to help raise funds for the projects of The ISIS Foundation, a charity that cares for thousands of children in serious need in both Nepal and Uganda. KatKids raises funds by selling memberships for $360 per year and by holding fundraisers throughout the year. Through the consistent generosity of Bermuda residents and the ongoing dedication of volunteers, KatKids has been able to aid ISIS in providing education, healthcare, and improved living conditions to thousands of Nepali families.
A significant portion of KatKids’ fundraising efforts in its first five years has come from two charitable treks to Nepal. To recognize those who participated in the most recent trek, KatKids will be hosting an event at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on March 11th at 6:00 p.m. The highlight of the event will feature presentations by a few of these courageous trekkers detailing their rigorous sixteen-week training program, the intense conditions faced on the 8-day trek back in October, and the life-changing experiences they shared with the Nepali people.
The ISIS Trek For Kids 2010 brought together a diverse group of individuals, ages 21 to 63, from various backgrounds including education, reinsurance, and boat building. The team included seven Bermudians [Alex Conyers, Caitlin Conyers, Judith Landsberg Cash, Steve Thomson, Calista Todd, Steve Martin and Barrie Trimingham], five Bermudian residents [Derek Stapley, Nick Pritchard, Adam Powers, Neil McConnachie, and Jennie Lee O’Donnell], and three international members [David Pierson, United States; Iona D’Sousa, Dubai; and Mark Stapley, Scotland].
United by the desire to see first hand the invaluable work of The ISIS Foundation and its partners in Nepal, as well as the physical and mental fortitude to complete a challenging two-week expedition, the trekkers were responsible for paying all travel costs and committed to raising a minimum of $10,000 in sponsorship in order to participate. Together, the team successfully raised over $232,000, far exceeding their $200,000 fundraising goal. One hundred percent of these funds [less online and banking fees] go directly to projects run by The ISIS Foundation in Nepal. Jennie Lee O’Donnell, KatKids Vice-Chair and ISIS Trek for Kids organizer says, “Trekking in Humla was spectacular. After a whirlwind of preparation and trekking and amazing experiences with our friends in Nepal, it’s great to recognize the efforts of the trekkers and the impact they have been able to have in such a remote part of the world.”
The trekker presentations will be followed by a celebratory reception where attendees can learn more about the projects KatKids has supported through ISIS over the past five years. There will also be an opportunity to shop at the KatKids Market offering handcrafted items from Nepal and Uganda similar to the popular annual KatKids’ Christmas Market. Attendees interested in becoming a KatKids member or those looking to renew memberships will also be able to do so.
Tickets for the event are $40 for members, $45 for non-members and include a complimentary glass of wine and Harbourfront canapés. Tickets can be purchased from Nicola at nicolaj@kathmandukidsclub.com or from the ISIS offices at 35 Crow Lane, East Broadway. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the presentations starting promptly at 6.30 p.m. As KatKids’ events are typically popular, order tickets early to avoid disappointment.
The Kathmandu Kids Club is a unique volunteer fundraising group that was formed to help raise money for the projects of The ISIS Foundation, a charity that cares for thousands of children in serious need in both Nepal and Uganda.
The ISIS Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of children in the developing world, specifically in Nepal and Uganda. For more information about the Kathmandu Kids Club and The ISIS Foundation, visit their websites on Kathmandukidsclub.com and Isis.bm
