A group of adventurers have raised $26,000 for a good local cause.
Blue Mountains guide Allie Pepper led two expeditions to the summit of the highest mountain in South America in December and January, with the group raising $26,000 for youth in the Mountains.
“When the group approached me with the suggestion to fundraise for a local cause, I was really excited,” said Ms Pepper.
“I suggested the Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST) – an awesome organisation that provides support programs to the youth of the Blue Mountains, including its highly regarded Outdoor Explore program, amongst others. I have done some work with them in the past and I am a true believer in outdoor education.”
The group trekked Mt Aconcagua in Argentina. At 6962 metres tall it is the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere and the highest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayas.
Ms Pepper is no stranger to this mountain. She has been an outdoor leader since 1999 and lives, works and trains in the Blue Mountains and also lived in South America for three years. She has led many groups up Mt Aconcagua, as well as leading mountaineering and trekking expeditions to the Himalayas.
The manager of MYST, Damian Cooper, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this wonderful donation. In the last six years we have transformed youth services in the Blue Mountains with a strong focus on outdoor programs and adventure therapy.”
