Federico Campanini, an international Argentine guide, lost his life on Aconcagua in January 2009. Created in memory of Federico, The “El Fede” Campanini Foundation is dedicated to providing information, guidance, training and financial assistance to support ongoing efforts to improve mountain rescue on Aconcagua and in other commercial climbing areas.
The endeavor will not be easy, but it is possible through the support from those who share Federico’s love for the mountains.
The Mountain Fest was a great experience and success this year.It began with returning to Camp Muir and putting one sticker on RMI’s shack under a big, blue and clear sky, with open snow fields below and memories everywhere.
Back in Ashford the grassroots efforts of the foundation to raise money for rescue equipment and training began with a communal dinner in the employee housing. Basically, everyone offered any food that they had. Every bit of effort resulted in a feast and a celebration of the mountaineering feast and remembering Federico Campanini.
The next two days at Mountain Fest were emotional and fruitful as we were able to raise money to getting closer to our goals. We sold t-shirts and hats made by Katy Laveck.
Others gave some donations of what they could.
Eric Schafer participated in a speed boulder climb at the festival and donated his winnings ($75) to the foundation.
Thanks to everyone who helped in the efforts to keep moving Aconcagua.
Come join the Mountain Festival on September 10th and 11th in Ashford, Washington. The festival will have feature well-known mountaineers talking about their experiences and adventures in the mountains. The foundation will also be there trying to raise awareness and funds for future projects on Aconcagua, such as implementing a protocol and medical and rescue training.
Unfortunately, the Tribute Climb on August 30-31st has been canceled. Sometimes mountain moving means just being there for a loved one. It may be scheduled for next week before Mountain Fest in Ashford, Washington on September 10th and 11th. I will be at Mountain Fest with the hopes of raising awareness and funds for improvements of Aconcagua’s rescue system. Come to Mountain Fest or donate to our cause, or at least, be safe in the mountains.
A tribute climb to honor Federico Campanini will be on August 30-31. It is also our intent to raise awareness for organized Search and Rescues on Aconcagua as well as the funds to continue our endeavors to implement an emergency protocol and rescue training for those that work on the mountain. Please donate to our cause today on the website and help us to continue moving mountains.
Ever little bit helps…
August 5th has been deemed Mountaineer Day in Argentina. On this day do something mountaineer-esque that will help promote safety in the mountains.
-Donate to the “El Fede” Campanini Foundation who is trying to implement an emergency protocol for the 2011-2012 season
-Teach a fellow, yet perhaps new mountaineer a safety technique
-Read up on new self-rescue techniques
-Take a refresher CPR, First Aid or wilderness first aid course
-Check out CIMA’s new weather website www.aconcaguaweather.com
“Your mountain is waiting so get on your way”
