Singing in the Rain

By Pierre Gauvin


On Tuesday morning before work I went for a workout on the Mount Royal stairs. It was raining, everything was grey and, apart from a lady, older and in MUCH better shape, I was completely alone!


After a just a few minutes, I was soaked to the skin. I felt depressed, lonely and a bit mad to be there.

I carried on up and passed the lady who was going down. I glanced at her and was greeted by a beautiful smile which seemed to say "We're crazy to be here but we're doing it for a reason".
That made me think about us -  Team Kili-2012, our expeditions, our fund-raising, our friendship and our team spirit. Suddenly I was happy in the rain with my aching legs. I was no longer alone.

Meet Catherine

By Catherine Fortin


Kilimanjaro is much more than a mountain - it's a complete overhaul of my life!

OK, let's go....  It's already just over a year since I said "Yes" to this project, this "trip" of a lifetime. Between Christmas 2010 and New Year's, I happened to glance at our notice board and saw André's invitation "Who wants to go climb Kilimanjaro?" Without a moment's hesitation, I wrote "I DO"!!!

Why? Well, why not?

We've only one life and it's already much too short for me so, whenever an opportunity like this comes along, I jump at it. Especially on this scale. Routine just isn't my thing - spontaneity lets us live wonderful experiences and outdo ourselves. I love being active, being with people, supporting good causes, helping others and meeting challenges. Kili is all that and more. Just getting to September 3rd - Day K, is a mountain in itself, a complete change of life-style. Getting fit, planning funds, getting vaccinations,  learning trekking techniques, preparing mentally for the ascent and so on and so on......

Do I regret my decision? Not on your life!

First of all, I've met such amazing and passionate people. Team Kili is a tightly knit little family - extremely important for the 10-day ascent when we'll be going through all sorts of feelings and needing  encouragement and moral support from each other. In each activity like training or having a meal together, we talk a lot of nonsense and have a lot of fun. We end up laughing till we cry which is the best way of relaxing, not to mention giving our abs a good workout!!!

The team's commitment to giving time and volunteering for several good causes is our way to do our part in helping those in need. It also helps us to realize how much we have, to appreciate it and to live fully in the moment.

I, for one, am longing to see what this adventure has in store for me and I promise to make the most of it.

Catherine

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Everest 2012 - living their adventure

By Isabelle Privé


Last Sunday, three members of our team went to wish a safe journey to the members of Everest 2012.

To put you in context, we met Jean and Guylaine a few months ago after reading an article about them in the Mouvement Desjardins journal which described how a team was planning an adventure to reach the Everest Base Camp in aid of the  Maison Michel Sarrazin foundation.

Jean and Guylaine had climbed Kilimanjaro in 2012 and had shared their experience and their adventure with us.

Since then, there's been great chemistry between the two teams!

Their adventure started on March 4 when they flew to Nepal. After a flight of almost 48 hours, they began the 3 week ascent on March 8, moving from village to village before reaching their goal, the Everest Base Camp.

Along with Nathalie and Pierre, I shared some of the excitement of their departure from Dorval on Sunday. It was something to see - the 17 members of the Everest 2012 team with their pack sacks (no more than 15 kilos allowed!), plus their equipment, eyes sparkling and happy to be leaving at last.

Guylaine told us that they'd left Quebec earlier after an emotional get-together with friends and family organized by their Levis office. A wonderful example of Desjardins support that doesn't surprise me in the slightest.

Which inspires me to picture our own departure from Dorval in 6 months with all our luggage and equally shining eyes.

Well-done to their team who fulfilled their fund-raising goal with flying colours. In fact, instead of raising $75 000 for the Maison Michel Sarrazin foundation, they made $110 000!

We wish you the adventure of a life-time. Jean and Guylaine, we are so much looking forward to seeing you again. People like you, with big hearts and full of passion, are wonderful rôle models and your example is the proof that we must always follow our dreams!

 You can follow their journey by clicking on this lien

Translated by Pamela Gauvin