A Columbus resident is raising funds for a local youth organization by climbing a mountain in Peru.
Walter Glover plans to climb with two friends to about 17,000 feet in elevation in the Ausangate Rainbow Mountains during a two-week trip in late April and early May to aid Foundation for Youth. Funds raised will benefit programming, specifically scholarships to allow all children have access to FFY’s programs, Glover said.
“I am blessed to be aligned with Foundation For Youth in this new collaboration. FFY is a respected community leader in child and youth development. After several climbs to improve circumstances for youth in my hospital ministry communities, I am thrilled to do this climb to benefit children in my own community,” Glover said.
The 69-year-old retired St. Vincent Jennings Hospital (North Vernon) chaplain. He’s been climbing mountains for a decade, often to raise awareness about childhood obesity and senior citizen health.
“Wellness initiatives should not come to an end — no matter what one’s age,” Glover said. “And there is certainly no finish line when it comes to empowering children to be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually fit to grow into well-integrated adults. And all children need and deserve that opportunity, hopefully with the light of a good mentor.”
His climbs raised $130,000 to begin three youth obesity prevention and treatment clinic programs at St. Vincent Jennings Hospital ministries in southern Indiana. Much of the youth obesity money Walter raised was also used for scholarships, after clinic start-up expenses.
Previous climbs have included Mount Everest’s base camp, Mount Rainier, Mount Washington and El Camino.
The Ausangate Rainbow Mountains are known for their multitude of vibrant colors, such as gold, maroon and turquoise.
The Peruvian peak a sacred mountain, Glover said, “the most beautiful geologic formation I have ever seen.”
Glover is a certified grief counselor and in his retirement facilitates three grief groups in Columbus, including one for bereft parents.
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For more information on Glover’s mountain climbing experiences, go online at 2trek4kids.org.
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