Vango pitches in to support 2010 ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge

At Vango we are proud of the strong relationship we have developed with the humanitarian aid charity ShelterBox.

The charity’s mission is to deliver immediate relief to victims of natural and other disasters anywhere around the world. The ShelterBox is a green plastic container packed with essential living equipment, including a Vango tent, all encompassing winter kits and Trangia stoves, to enable quick and effective shelter for victims.

As with all charities, ShelterBox needs assistance from the public to raise funds and awareness for its work and events are a key tool in achieving this. The 2010 ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge, which takes place on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th September 2010, will be a unique opportunity for participants to promote ShelterBox and generate some crucial fundraising for the cause.

The Dartmoor Challenge is over 30 miles long and is a timed hike that involves self-navigating from check point to check point across Dartmoor, whilst carrying a 40kg ShelterBox. Participants will complete the challenge in groups of four and will find that all the equipment they need to safely complete the Challenge is stored in the green ShelterBox. Teams are encouraged to come up with innovative ways to carry their ShelterBox, however, to protect the environment, they are not allowed to roll the boxes on any form of wheel.

Winners of the Challenge will receive a selection of fantastic products from Vango’s award-winning 2010 range, including a Green Bean 350 (a versatile tunnel tent which features a huge porch area-perfect for storage), a Pumori 60+10 rucsac (ideal for walking/hiking expeditions that will challenge you to the extreme), a Wilderness 350 sleeping bag (will keep you warm on cold nights) and a pair of Classic Walking Poles (essential for uneven terrain).

The charity is hoping that each team will raise a minimum of £1,000. The funds will be spent purchasing essential equipment and transporting  the ShelterBoxes to where they are needed the most.

ShelterBox teams are currently deployed to a number of worldwide locations that have been hit by natural disaster, including Pakistan, Brazil and Guatemala. In the past they have responded to over 72 disasters, including the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and 2008 China Earthquake. To find out more about the charity and how you can help please visit www.shelterbox.org.

If you are passionate about the outdoors, are a fan of the Vango brand and would be interested in working with our team of outdoor specialists, then check out our latest vacancies on our Careers page.

Ed (left) with climbing partner.

Vango, the UK’s leading camping and outdoor brand, are delighted to announce that their sponsored climber, Ed Laughton, has reached the summit of Mt. Everest.  He is only one of 2,500 climbers who have managed the arduous climb to the top of the world’s highest mountain.

To support Ed on his adventure, Vango donated a range of items from their 2010 product range, including; a Force Ten Vortex 300 tent, a Pumori 60+10 rucsac, Viper sleeping bag and 90l Cargo bag. These products kept Ed warm and sheltered from the challenging conditions that he faced on the mountain.

Ed currently volunteers with the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA), a not-for-profit organisation that provides vital medical care for both western trekkers and the local Nepalese population. Along with the HRA clinics in local Nepalese towns, there are also 2 clinics on the Everest base camp that minister emergency medical care to those coming off of the mountain. Ed undertook the challenge in order to raise awareness of the work that the HRA does and to fundraise as much money as possible for the clinics.

Ed was highly impressed with the design and quality of the products that Vango donated;
"Both myself and a number of others here on Everest have been genuinely impressed with the quality of Vango and Force Ten products and how they have performed in incredibly tough conditions. The Vortex 300 is a seriously fantastic tent that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to friends, in fact the owner of the expedition company has decided to invest in several himself. Having met the staff and seen the gear in action it is clear that Vango and Force Ten have the user in mind at all times when designing their products. Even the smaller kit such as the solar lantern has been a big hit. I lent it to our cook and he was so impressed with it I have had to come to accept that I've no chance of getting it back”.

Vango’s Marketing Manager, Sharon Mason, is delighted that Ed managed to complete his challenge:
“Since its inception, Vango has supported many adventures and expeditions that challenge the participant to the extreme. The Mt. Everest climb is no different and I am delighted that Ed has reached his goal. All of us at Vango are looking forward to hearing about his challenging adventure when he comes back to the UK.”

For more information regarding the Himalayan Rescue Association, please visit www.himalayanrescue.org or for more information regarding Ed’s challenge, email marketing@vango.co.uk.