Our Story
The Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation (SEHF) is dedicated to the support of the Sherpa people of Nepal. Our goal is to support initiatives in the areas of education, the environment and health care that help to empower and sustain the Sherpa people and their culture.
About Us
The Sir Edmund Hilary Foundation (SEHF) of Canada was founded in 1974 by Zeke O’Connor and Sir Edmund Hillary. The two cemented a life-long friendship and partnership in service following a 1973 trip to Nepal, where Zeke was invited to join Sir Edmund on an expedition to Mount Everest Base Camp. Zeke visited Nepal over 40 times in his lifetime, and each time returned home with a deeper understanding of the many needs of the Sherpa people and a stronger determination to further the efforts to support worthy projects in the mountain regions of Nepal.
Now, nearly 50 years after that first visit, the SEHF continues to raise funds and support for the Sherpa people in the areas of education, environment and health care.
Learn more about our key initiatives here:
SEHF Milestones
Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation (SEHF) founded by Zeke O'Connor and Sir Edmund Hillary
SEHF receives Canadian Charter, and begins full patronage of Kunde Hospital
SEHF begins Sagarmatha National Park Reforestation Project
First Full SEHF Scholarship Recipient Receives Masters Degree in Forestry
SEHF Medical Scholarship Program Gains Momentum
Women's Literacy Programs Launched in Phaplu and Chhinakpu
Construction Completed on Zeke O'Connor (ZOC) School - First High School Classes Begin
SEHF Supports Earthquake Rebuilding Projects in Solukhumbu
Early Development Grades Added to ZOC School (to Grade 7)
Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation of Canada, Board of Directors
K. O’Connor
President
R. D. Walker, Q.C.
Secretary
Dr. K. T. Sherpa
Senior Medical Officer
DIRECTORS
P. Crawley, P. Gagic, P. Handling, P. Hillary, P. Hubner, M. Kaye, N. McElhinney, S. McElhinney, K. O’Connor, D. Paterson, E. Saikaly, Dr. K. T. Sherpa,
P. S. Sherpa, J. vonEtzdorf, & R. D. Walker
HONOURARY LIFE MEMBERS
P. W. Webster & Dr. R. Zimmerman
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
M. Benton & E. Lorriman
Founders
Pictured, SEHF Founders Sir Edmund Hillary and Mr. O’Connor in the mountains of Nepal, c.1976
