Two Cochrane men, John Cook and John Clarkson, will be addressing an issue of national concern over the next three weeks, as they embark on a 20,300-foot climb of Island Peak, near Mount Everest Base Camp.
The mission is to raise awareness and funds for returning soldiers from Afghanistan and their families for a charity called the True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation.
“These are young folks that might not have fully known what they signed up for and now have to deal with the consequences,” explained Clarkson.
“While I don’t always agree with the conflicts they get sent into, I think we can all agree that they deserve the best care on return.”
Some 10 civilians from across Canada will join a team comprised of 12 injured reserve and retired Canadian Armed Forces soldiers; the force of 22 will arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal on Oct. 7 to tackle the ambitious journey through Mount Everest Base Camp, followed by a climb of Summit Island Peak (located near Mount Everest in the Khumbu region of Nepal).
In recognition of the impact that physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder has on soldiers returning from Afghanistan, the TPL Foundation is committed to contributing $1 million to mental health programs and $500,000 to physical rehabilitation programs for veterans this year alone.
This particular expedition will be filmed as part of a primetime CBC documentary aimed at promoting awareness on the realities faced by soldiers deployed to and returning from Afghanistan; the documentary will be aired in January 2013.
The expedition has been fully funded by the civilian team and sponsors; all donated monies will go directly toward the TPL Foundation.
“Please help the climb and learn more about our soldiers by donating or reading their profiles on our website,” said Clarkson, who will be remembering his godfather, Mike Krewiak who lives in Selkirk, Man. and was wounded in the Second World War.
“Cochrane is a great community for getting behind a cause.”
Paul Brandt will be performing for the send-off concert Oct. 15 on CBC.
To learn more about the expedition or to donate, visit expeditionhimalayas.ca.
