NZ mountainner named promotional ambassador for fundraising event
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Roger Shepherd, right, a New Zealander who has hiked the entire South Korean portion of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range, holds a certificate of appointment with Oxfam Korea CEO Chi Kyung-young after being appointed as promotional ambassador for Oxfam Trailwalker Korea in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Oxfam Korea
By Yi Whan-woo
Roger Shepherd, the first foreigner to walk the entire South Korean section of the Baekdu-daegan mountain range, has been appointed as promotional ambassador for Oxfam International’s latest fundraising event in Korea.
The Seoul office of Oxfam International, a London-based non-profit organization fighting poverty, said Wednesday that Shepherd, a former police officer, will promote Oxfam Trailwalker Korea to international mountaineers.
Oxfam Trailwalker Korea is a sporting event in which participants will compete to complete a 100-kilometer trail around Mount Jiri and Gurye County in South Jeolla Province. The event will begin on May 20.
Each participant will be grouped into a team of four. They will be required to walk the trail within 38 hours. The funds raised will be donated to international relief efforts.
“Mr. Shepherd was glad to serve as Oxfam Trailwalker Korea’s promotional ambassador,” Oxfam Korea said in a press release.
“He views the event, in which the participants will face challenges of their leadership and their mental toughness, is in line with Oxfam International’s challenge to alleviate poverty. He especially hopes Koreans as well as foreigners will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Jiri and the Gurye area.”
Shepherd, who has climbed countless mountains in South Korea, is also the first foreigner to visit many of North Korea’s remotest mountains since the 1950-53 Korean War.
In November, he participated in Oxfam Trailwallker Hong Kong, the first fundraising event of its kind by Oxfam International.
Oxfam Korea said it will encourage international diplomats in Korea including ambassadors as well as other expats to join Oxfam Trailwalker Korea.
Oxfam International operates in more than 90 countries, implementing long-term programs to end poverty and offer related support.
The NGO has raised funds through Oxfam Trailwalker in 11 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, India and Japan.