Sherpa Adventure Gear: The Journey So Far (by Thoji Che)Sherpa Adventure Gear was inspired by sheer chance in 2003. Back then, my family and I owned an import clothing business. In May of that year, while walking down the streets of Manhattan, a magazine issue commemorating the 50th.anniversary of the first ascent of Everest caught my eye.The craggy lines of the familiar face staring at me from the cover belonged to none other than my Uncle, Ang Gyalzen Sherpa. I was amazed to discover that he was one of the original Sherpa on Sir Edmund Hillary’s celebrated expedition in 1953.Today, every climber in his heart is grateful for having a Sherpa companion on the treacherous slopes of the Himalayas. For it is the Sherpa who makes the route, carries the load and lays the rope all the way to top and back.They risk their lives for a pittance and smile through the life threatening ordeals on the flanks of Everest and surrounding peaks. But rarely do they receive any of the fame or recognition that follows a successful summit.As I read the sad story of the many unsung Sherpa heroes like my uncle who live in total anonymity—and often utter poverty—in the shadow of Everest, I felt a powerful urge to share the Sherpa story with a wider audience. So I created Sherpa Adventure Gear and began making outdoor clothing and gear. Then I started sponsoring the best high altitude climbers in the world to test our products --the Sherpas themselves. ...Giving Back - The Sherpa Heart in ActionOne of my main goals in creating this company was to support and honor these people who do so much for so little. So each Sherpa Brand ambassador is paid a royalty based on sales. In addition, up to $.50 from every product sold goes to a special fund for the underprivileged Sherpa children of Nepal.Today our Sherpa heroes have become well known, and there are Sherpa Children in Nepal that smile every year thanks to our support. As time goes on, more Sherpa athletes are being invited into the fold to test and endorse our growing line of products. ..Thoji Che (thank you)As we look back on our short history, we are eternally grateful for all the help and guidance we have received. And for every customer who has put their faith in our products.Each season we grow. But at the core we will always be a small company with a simple vision of doing business in the inimitable way of theSherpas… One step at a time, helping each other on the climb up, and never losing sight of the destination.Namaste,Tashi Sherpa President