Help Send Emma to Tibet

My name is Emma Birtwhistle, and I am a student at Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy. This coming summer, I will be travelling to Tibet on a service trip with Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder, a local organization that partners with non-profits around the globe. In Tibet, we will be working with the Tibetan Village Project in order to "promote sustainable development and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Tibet." For the first few days, we will focus on the cultural aspects—visting monasteries, orphanages, and panda breeding centers. Then, we will travel to Yolongshi to work on the Tibetan EcoWaste Project—creating environmental awareness, reducing water pollution, and helping to create sustainable jobs. The environmental aspects of this trip really resonate with me. As many of you may know, I travelled to Bolivia last summer to work with the Rio Beni Health Foundation, providing water filters for rural areas along the Rio Beni. This was the most incredible experience I have ever had. I learned so much, met so many new people, and made connections to last a lifetime, all while helping to permanently and positively change lives. The people of Tibet will benefit in a similarly life-changing way—waste is a large issue and by assisting in resolving this, we hope that the water supply will be cleaner and the people and animals healthier. To make all of this happen, I need your help. I need to raise at least $1,250 to pay for my travel and insurance costs. To meet this goal, I will be babysitting, housesitting, dogsitting and tutoring kids. However, $1,250 is a lot of money, and any efforts you make will help me on this journey.  This experience is invaluable to me, and I so appreciate your help in making it happen. I look forward to sharing my experiences with all of you upon my return. For more information on Tibet, click here.