Vetaid Killimanjaro Trek 2006

In February 2006, I intend to trek to the summit of Killimanjaro to raise funds for Vetaid. Vetaid is a non-profit making, international development organisation working for reduction in poverty and increase in food security for people dependent on livestock. The purpose of the work is to strengthen livelihood strategies of resource-poor farmers by increasing the contribution made by their livestock, by promoting the rights of farmers and herders and by partnering and building the capacity of local organisations. Unlike many larger charities which give much needed but short lived emergency aid, Vetaid aims to reduce the causes of poverty and to enable farmers to be self sufficient and productive in the future. Funds raised by Vetaid are utilised at a local level so that they are immediately effective and thus avoiding the risk of them being diverted less appropriately. Less than 4% goes on administration so 96% of all funds raised go directly to projects on the ground. Some typical projects include: provision of veterinary care, providing livestock to farmers, ensuring water resources and education on basic farming methods. The work of Vetaid improves the means of living for small-scale nomadic farmers and safeguards food resources for more than a million people annually. Mt. Killimanjaro, at nearly 6,000 metres (20,000 ft.), is the highest freestanding volcanic peak in the world and is the highest mountain in Africa. The terrain varies from savannah through tropical and temperate forest, to alpine and high mountain conditions. Despite the position of Killimanjaro on the equator, there is permanent glacier on the summit. Although no specialist climbing skills are required for this trek, it is more arduous than a trek to Everest base camp and there is a very real danger of altitude sickness. This will, therefore, be a genuine challenge for me. Following the trek I will be visiting some of the Vetaid projects in Tanzania and will gain the opportunity to assist and observe the benefits these projects provide for the impoverished people of Africa. Please help this worthwhile cause by sponsoring me generously to complete this arduous trek. Any contribution, no matter how small, is welcome. Martin Atkinson, St Martins Veterinary Clinic, 126 Station Road, West Drayton. UB7 7JS email [email protected], or sponsor me direct at www.charitysponsor.com

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