Trekkers Head to Everest to Help Save the Children of Latin America

Toronto, Ontario –(May 22, 2009) – Trekkers are preparing to tackle the elements of Mount Everest in the name of children’s rights. In taking on the Remedy’sRx Himalaya Challenge 2009, these dedicated climbers will be raising funds and awareness of Save the Children’s work in Latin America: a noble goal in addition to a demanding adventure.Those involved will experience the unique opportunity of not only helping children abroad, but also in the physical preparation required to conquer the terrain to Everest Base Camp. The trek is for those with a high level of fitness, and training prior to the trip is necessary. Trekkers depart on October 17th, 2009 and return November 3rd with 12 days of trekking on the mountain.

“The trek engages the public in a unique experience while providing them with the opportunity to give to the world’s children,” explains David Morley, President and CEO of Save the Children Canada.

Save the Children Canada was thrilled with the success of the 2007 Axis Pharmacy Kilimanjaro Challenge when 37 participants from across Canada raised a net total of nearly $200,000 for HIV & AIDS programs in Kenya. Hopes are that the Remedy’sRx Himalaya Challenge will also be a wild success.

“Our commitment as a company is to help people feel better and Save the Children is doing so much to help children live better lives,” says Bruce Moody, Founder and CEO of Remedy Drug Store Company Inc., “We’re proud to lend our support to their important efforts.”

Participants commit to raising a minimum of $5000 to be donated to Save the Children’s development programs in Latin America. Save the Children Canada’s work in Latin America is comprehensive. It focuses on preventing violence against children, providing access to appropriate education, reducing harmful child labour by improving their working conditions, HIV & AIDS prevention, emergency response and promoting children’s rights. To highlight just a few projects, Save the Children is contributing to the expansion of Colombia’s education system, empowering aboriginal youth to advocate for their rights in Bolivia, providing birth certificates to children in Nicaragua and supplying children in Haiti with scholarships, uniforms and learning opportunities to better equip them for their future. Save the Children works in Canada and over 120 countries abroad to bring immediate and lasting improvements to children’s lives through the realization of their rights.

Anyone interested in registering for the Remedy’sRx Himalaya Challenge 2009 can visit www.remedys.ca or contact Sarah Matte at smatte@savethechildren.ca or 1-800-668-5036 x302 for more information.

For more information, please contact

Media Contact:
Save the Children Canada
Elysia Nisan, Communications Coordinator
416-218-1882
enisan@savethechildren.ca