Episode 3 - David Morton and THE JUNIPER FUND

In the setting of the high Himalaya, our focus will shift to the discovery of a unmet need and the calling for a different sort of journey. We remember the mountain tragedies and the ensuing insights that led him and partners to start the Juniper Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals, families and communities adversely impacted by their work for the mountain-based adventure industry.

Some of their successes have included: the provision of funds to cover living expenses for families left behind by the death of a mountain workers in the Himalaya, supporting vocational programs to help the widowed move on with a viable income, and increasing overall awareness of the adverse impact of the dangerous but growing mountain tourism industry on indigenous culture.

Listen, be inspired, and enjoy!!

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR:

03:00 – The start of his inspiration to engage with the high mountains of the world

11:00-  David expands on his curiosity to connecting with indigenous culture in his mountaineering destinations

20:30 – We expand on the transition point, when we begin to re-evaluate our emphasis on climbing in our lives

24:00 – Dave explores the change in perspective having to watch and document the Everest icefall tragedy where 16 sherpa lost their lives

25:30 – The unsettling impact of the earthquake in 2015

29:00 – We explore incidents leading to the start of the Juniper Fund and the partnership with Melissa Arnot

33:20 – Lessons learned on a deep dive investigation on the lack of safety net for those working in the Nepal climbing industry

39:30 – The future objectives of the Juniper Fund

42:00 – How the Juniper Fund recruits candidates for their assistance

45:00 – One of the largest challenges with their work

49:00 – Some words for encouragement and advice for those wanting to make a difference