White Christmas expedition inspires academic
Steven Goh is dreaming of a white Christmas.
Naturally, this dream includes snow-capped mountains, delicate snowflakes and a postcard-perfect landscape in the distance.The only thing missing, however, is the cosy log fire and turkey with trimmings. But Steven isn’t interested in the idyllic; this particular dream involves an endurance hike, sub-zero temperatures, a Sherpa and a great cause.
The USQ Engineering academic plans to see in the New Year trekking Mount Everest with his brother Raymond – all in the name of humanitarianism.
'2011 is the Year of the Humanitarian Engineer,' he said. 'And as Engineer Australia's Queensland Deputy President, I thought I would lead by example by taking up this challenge.'
Steven begins his adventure on December 22 with a flight from Kathmandu to the sloping tarmac at Lukla. He will then spend the next 18 days hiking around the Khumbu region, which includes a stop at Everest Base Camp.
'The aim of this trek is to raise funds to support the humanitarian activities of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) here in Australia and around the world to improve sanitation, power and shelter of the world's poorest communities,' he said.
EWB works in partnership with developing communities both within Australia and overseas, assisting them to gain access to the knowledge, resources and appropriate technologies they need to improve their livelihoods.
Steven said much of the expedition would be undertaken with freezing temperatures to contend with.
'Not many tourists will be around,' he said. 'Everest Base Camp (5200m) will be pretty much deserted as it will be too cold to climb the summit.
'We will be hiking up to 5540m where day time temperatures will be about -10*C, and more with wind chill. Freezing! But to see in the 2011 New Year at the foot of Everest, you can't beat that!'
Steven said he hoped his adventure would raise awareness of the humanitarian efforts of engineers around the world and encourage people to get involved in some way.
'You don't have to go overseas to get involved, there's plenty of 'work' to be done right here in our backyard in our remote communities. Best thing is that you don't have to be an engineer to get involved,' he said.
A number of activities will be organised by Engineers Australia to celebrate the 2011 Year of the Humanitarian Engineer.
To support this initiative and make a donation to EWB (www.ewb.org.au), visit Steven’s blog site at: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/steven_goh
Contact Details: Madeleine Tiller, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1163, 0400 025 429
