Image: Supplied by Dr. Cam Ross / Chilliwack family physician Dr. Cam Ross will be cycling in India between Sept. 10-16 to raise funds for Himalayan Life, a registered Canadian charity that educates and nurtures street children in Nepal.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Himalayan Life

Chilliwack residents, including local family doctor, to cycle in India at high altitude for 6 days to benefit Canadian charity Himalayan Life

Sep 2, 2022 | 3:55 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack family physician Dr. Cam Ross has previously been involved with a number of non-profit organizations who do good work and fulfill a noble purpose.

But there was something different, something special he learned about Himalayan Life, a Canadian charity, at the home of friend and fellow Chilliwack general practitioner, Dr. Ling Low.

“I first heard about Himalayan Life in a local meeting at Ling’s house in 2015,” Ross said. “I became fascinated by what they’re doing. I’ve always been interested in third world work, and I have compassion for those struggling in other settings. I’ve had a lifelong interest in the Himalayas and Nepal. I heard about them, listened to what they’re doing, and was really impressed with what they were doing in their approach.”

Fast forward to tomorrow, September 3 when he and fellow Chilliwack resident Tim Epp travel to Northern India for the cycling adventure of a lifetime billed as “Altitude: The Ride for Himalayan Life.”

They’ll be participating in an epic six-day journey biking through the Himalayas and cycling over two of the highest passes in the world: Khardung La at 18,380 feet, and Chang La at 17,586 feet, located in Ladakh territory, India.

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Himalayan Life assists street kids in Pokhara, Nepal, with a street kitchen, drop-in facility, and shelter, while its Yangri Academic Centre teaches 184 students in grades K-8 at a regional school with boarding facilities; its Ladakh Children’s Home for Migrant Families educates 61 students at an altitude of 12,000 feet; and its Ulleri Children’s Home nurtures 20 youth who are either abandoned or at risk.

The objective of the ride is not to cross one fewer item off from a bucket list, but rather to experience the reality of the lives of many children and families served by Himalayan Life. The key elements of the ride involve high altitude, thin air, uncertainty and challenge, just like the kids they serve.

“Himalayan Life is the most remarkable organization I have ever seen in action,” Ross said. “Over the past 6 years, I have seen first-hand the difference they make in the lives of some of the poorest and least considered people in the world, street children and other marginalized children in Nepal.”

For Tim Epp, a manager at Petcurean, his interest in Himalayan Life peaked after attending a small fundraiser in 2014 with his wife Heidi and hearing stories from CEO and founder Daniel Burgi. He saw images of suffering children from Nepal that were hard to forget.

Image: Supplied by Tim Epp / Chilliwack resident Tim Epp will be joining Dr. Cam Ross of Chilliwack on an epic 6-day cycling expedition in India to raise funds for Himalayan Life, a registered Canadian charity that educates street kids in Nepal. They leave tomorrow (Sept. 3).

“Seeing children no older than my youngest daughter Lucy (who was only 3 years old at the time) in this situation broke my heart,” Tim said. “Daniel shared how it was their mission to help these children: to protect, nurture, and educate them. He shared stories and showed us countless images of small children that had been abandoned, left to fend for themselves in the streets. These children had nothing; no food, no clothes, no love, no future.”

His wife Heidi, who owns Refinery House on Vedder Road, joined the board of directors the next year and has since travelled to Nepal multiple times. The rest is history.

“I have been able to hear first-hand about the difference Himalayan Life has been making in these children’s lives,” Tim said. “When the opportunity came up to join the Altitude ride, I jumped at the chance. I love cycling and was excited to have the opportunity to go on this adventure with a purpose. I hope to get a first-hand view of what life is like for some of the people that Himalayan Life is supporting, a pretty amazing experience where I get to experience some adventure and help raise funds for a truly worthwhile cause, and a few Strava KOMs because I’m too slow to get any in Chilliwack (joking, and only cyclists will know what this is).”

Ross says the cycling route represents the most demanding ride he’s ever attempted and isn’t sure he’ll make it, but says the kids served by Himalayan Life are worth it. He and Epp will acclimatize for six days before taking the plunge.

“None of us know about our capacity in that altitude and that terrain,” Ross said. “I’ve walked at this altitude; I know that when I walk this high, I walk really slowly. One step, then pause. One step, then pause. I hope to come away with a bit more understanding and context from the people we’re supporting. We’ll get to experience their day-to-day life in their villages. I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro; it doesn’t feel at this stage like I’ll be going on a holiday. It feels intimidating. Am I going to fall over into a ditch gasping?”

You can follow Cam and Tim on their journey, technology-permitting, on the Himalayan Life Instagram and Facebook pages. Please keep an eye out for Instagram Live broadcasts directly from the field between September 10-16. Visit himalayanlife.com for more information.