Kilimanjaro Clothing Drive

The Beginning
Given our rich history leading successful programs on Kilimanjaro a natural progression became giving back to the local communities in and around Kilimanjaro. It began with donations of clothes and gear, old RMI uniforms to the local staff, and even financial contributions from our climbers to local orphanages to help build schools and facilities.

Along the way we have fostered a relationship with Karen Valenti, director of the non profit Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) to better the overall working conditions for the porters. Then, while witnessing the incredible sunrise come over Mwenzi peak during the summer of 2009 a light bulb came on that more could be done to help the porters and improve KPAP's wonderful direction.

This clothing drive is more than just sending clothes to Tanzania. It is sending items that will be used to better a profession that over 10,000 men and women seek in Northern Tanzania.

We thank you for your donations, but more importantly the people of Tanzania thank you.

How Will KPAP Utilize Donations?
All tax deductible donations, including the shipping container will be used towards fulfilling the mission of KPAP. The 40' shipping container will be used by KPAP as a storage facility for the clothing and gear. KPAP also has a well thought out plan that will not only provide adequate clothing, but will also create a more professional atmosphere for the porters. "To deter the possibility of selling the gear, any time a porter needs clothing he deposits a personal item of value ( i.e. cell phone). Once the work is finished, he receives his "deposit" upon return of the gear," explains Karen.

Donations
We are accepting clothing donations that are well suited for the outdoor environment, such as wind and rain shell pants and jackets; fleece pants and jackets, synthetic base layers or long underwear, gloves, hats, and hiking boots. Any sizes will do.

RMI will be hosting all clothing donations at their base camp below Mt. Rainier in Ashford, WA until October 1, 2010. At this time the cargo container will be shipped to Tanzania, Africa and received by KPAP. All donations are tax deductible in accordance with KPAP 501c3 status. Click here to download a tax-deductible form.

Donations can either be dropped off at RMI's basecamp or shipped to:
10,000 for 2010
c/o RMI Expeditions
30027 SR 706 East
Ashford, WA 98304

Kilimanjaro Climb
To celebrate this momentous event for KPAP and fellow contributors, RMI Expeditions will be running an expedition in the winter of 2010. We will help KPAP receive the donations as well as attempt to summit Kilimanjaro . This expedition is open to anyone to join!

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) is registered as a Tanzanian NGO (non-governmental organization) since January 2003. KPAP is an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based out of Boulder, Colorado in the United States. For more information visit www.kiliporters.org.