For those readers looking for ideas to make a donation to a local charity at Christmas, here are a couple of suggestions.
The first, is a challenge that was undertaken by Scott Poynton, Executive Director of TFT - The Forest Trust, whose headquarters are based in Nyon. In 2014, Scott embarked on a Moustache growing adventure for the Movember Foundation to raise money and awareness for men's health. It was a great success and he ended up raising about CHF 5,000.
This year, he decided he would have another go but this time, climbing the equivalent altitude of Mount Everest! When climbers ascend Everest, they typically fly from Kathmandu (Nepal's capital) to a place called Lukla which is at 2,860m altitude. They then walk the 60km to Everest Base Camp before ascending the mountain (8,848m). That means they've climbed 5,988m from Lukla.
As Lac Léman is at 372m and the top of La Dôle (the mountain in the Jura near Nyon) is at 1,670m, the difference is 1,298m. So by walking that distance (total distance about 30km) 5 times, Scott has clocked up up 6,490m in altitude which is more than the 5,988m from Lukla to the top of Everest. Although the main fundraising month of November is now over there are still a few days left in December where you can help Scott's fundraising challenge.
Photo above - Scott Poynton in right of photo below La Dôle
The second charity is La Maison des Enfants in Nyon.
The Maison des Enfants is a charitable association set in a large house just on the outskirts of Nyon and is open in the afternoon for all children from age 6 to 12. Here children are looked after by professionals and volunteers and all free of charge, this service is particularly appreciated by working parents on a low income. The house has a large garden, so the children can play outside and create handicrafts, use computers and have help with homework. Donations help the Maisons des Enfants continue with their work. Click here to donate. You can even help them by simply providing a snack for the afternoon "gouter" for the children.
Note: A portion of the profits from the "Living along Lac Léman" book is donated to this charity by Living in Nyon