Ramona Marsters is set to embark on a treacherous journey to the base camp of Mount Everest with the goal of eradicating youth homelessness.
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Ms Marsters, who has experienced homelessness herself, has been employed at YPS as a youth social inclusion and development worker for the past four years and has witnessed the damaging effect it can have on young people.
The Kempsey resident is hopeful the YPS Everest Base Camp Community Project will lower the number of kids without a home.
"In Kempsey, there is anywhere between 300 and 350 people who are homeless on any given night, it's unbelievable and it makes you wonder how that is even happening," Ms Marsters told the Argus.
"No matter how hard we work each year, the statistics are still rising. These young people deserve a fair go and trips and fund raises like this will help a lot."
Ms Marsters will be joined by colleagues Theresa Thorn, Mali Boller and Michelle Ackerman and eight community members from Kempsey and Port Macquarie when they make the trip to Nepal on April 17, which is Youth Homelessness Matters Day.
YPS has set a goal to raise a minimum of $200,000 this year and the group trekking to Everest base camp are hopeful of closing in on the target.
"We are making the journey to raise awareness and money to take us all a step closer to removing youth homelessness," Ms Marsters said.
"The money will help the young people escape from a violent home or other bad situation and we can provide support and advocate for them to secure safe and appropriate accommodation."
The journey to Everest Base Camp will take approximately nine days while another four are spent on the descent.
During the trip down the mountain, the group will spend a day to help rebuild a school which was damaged in a recent avalanche.
Ms Masters encourages everyone to support her journey and improve their own lifestyle by signing up to the Conquering My Everest challenge.
To do so, simply sign up at That Playce Takeaway for $20, choose a challenge you want to accomplish (which can be anything), the money will go towards supporting young people in the Macleay community and you will also make a positive change in your own life.
Donations can also be made on the YPS website.
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