In a bid to raise awareness and money for anti-rhino poaching efforts, former Westdene resident Gregory Baldwin will trek to the base camp on the south side of Mount Everest, between September 23 and October 15.
“I will be doing the three passes trek to Everest base camp with nine other people, as part of an initiative called ‘Climb for Rhino,'” said Baldwin.
“The idea is that three rhino suits are going to be worn throughout the trek, as a symbol against rhino poaching.”
Baldwin said all the funds raised would go to the Earth Life Organisation, to be used for the Fundimvelo Thula Thula rhino orphanage, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The former St Dunstan’s College student is currently working as a ranger at the Mala Mala Game Reserve, in Mpumalanga.
He said he couldn’t turn down an adventure that was also for a good cause.
“This is different to the standard trek up the Khumbu Valley, as it takes you up the famous Renjo La pass and then across the difficult Cho La pass,” he explained.
“From there we trek to base camp and then return via the Kongma La pass.
“It is no ordinary hike, as the group will have to ascend three passes over 5 000m high.”
Baldwin said the goal is to create global awareness of rhino poaching and to raise over R100 000 for the Fundimvelo Thula Thula rhino orphanage.
He said the initiative needed sponsors and donors, who can contact Yvette Taylor at yvette@earthorganization.org.
