Sun Valley, Idaho, USA

ESS is proud to have sponsored Mark Squirrell (Squiz) in his successful climb to the summit of Mt. Everest in support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) "Fight Hunger: Walk the World"
(http://www.fighthunger.org/everest).

Squiz, a 10-year veteran of the Australian Army Special Forces, worked in East Timor, Albania, Sudan, Afghanistan, Palestine, and finally Nepal, where he honed his climbing skills.  He is no stranger to high-adrenaline situations, whether the risk is enemy fire or mother nature.  Squiz decided to dedicate his experience to a good cause, and set out to raise money for the UN World Food Programme by attempting to conquer the world's tallest peak: the 29,035 foot Mt. Everest. 

On the battlefield or at high altitudes, Squiz depends on his gear, and he put ESS goggles and glasses to the ultimate test as he braved Everest's subzero temperatures, howling winds and high altitudes well above "the death zone."  Following his final, harrowing push from Camp 4 up to the Roof of the World, Squiz had this to say about the performance of his ESS eyewear:

"Although it was a hard slog and a few difficulties arose on the final push to the summit it was a successful trip.  This would not have been possible without the support from ESS.  I wore your sunglasses constantly.  On summit day, I used ESS Profile TurboFan goggles.  These were excellent and very appropriate with the built-in fan.  The fan worked perfectly.  The fan never once failed and I kept it on the whole time.  If you incorporate a pair of category 4 lenses, I think these goggles would be a major attraction to climbers.  Everyone was impressed with the fan and it would most likely be the difference for most mountaineers when making a choice on what goggles to buy."

Visit http://www.fighthunger.org/everest/blog to learn more about Squiz's challenging and noble endeavor and to donate to the UN's WFP.

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