Mountain Spirits Fund
Mountain Spirits began with a dream in the foothills of the Himalaya. The Himalayan people, despite their profoundly simple ways of life, have always been the most giving people we have met on earth. They share a smile, warmth, food, shelter and virtually anything they can. Since we began running trips there, we have always felt the need to help. Likewise, many of you who have traveled with us have felt the need to offer support. As the need escalated, we started the Mountain Spirits Fund.
Starting in the 1990s, on every trip to Nepal, we brought over duffels of clothing for our staff and their families and for families in need in the mountains. Then we worked to give our staff the gift of education. For many, the first step was learning English. With English they were able to attend guide schools. That led to sponsoring education for their children. We helped to build a school in the Everest area. We placed teachers in schools in remote villages. We funded medical care for families in need of extended treatments. Then, in 2015, the earthquake struck and the need for assistance went through the roof. Our home community in Idaho responded with a lot of financial assistance and a clothing drive like no other! People far and wide donated funds and support. In response, we upped our commitment to these families and incorporated The Mountain Spirits Fund, a legitimate 501c3. We partnered with grass roots organizations on the ground in Nepal to deliver aid and supplies and spent much of 2015 orchestrating relief efforts and visiting Nepal to deliver food, blankets and clothing.
With Nepal experiencing one disaster after another, the need for aid is important as ever. But need in this country is constant. Most villages do not offer education after 6th grade. Most do not have health care. Minor health emergencies result in fatalities. Houses need chimneys and toilets. The list goes on.
We have many regular donors and appreciate immensely the help they have given! We could not take care of our extended families without this help. We thank everyone for continuing to help us help them.
Namaste! 🙏🏻