Meet Nadine

By Nadine Lauzon (aka Wong)

Honestly, it's about time I got started. Introducing myself, point-blank in front of an empty computer screen..... not easy for a techno-dummy like me! Not that your very own Wong is exactly tongue-tied! Ha! Ha! :)

So, here goes. I'm Nadine Lauzon, 34, your Kili colleague Mélanie Lauzon's twin sister. I'm a single mother with an extraordinary 14 year old son. When I'm not ferrying him to basketball, baseball or guitar lessons, I divide my time between three jobs. I've been an auxiliary nurse at St-Eustache Hospital for 9 years, a foot-care nurse in three homes for the elderly and, finally, a self-employed massage therapist. Let's just say I'm an unmedicated hyperactive or - quite simply - VERY, VERY, INSECURE!!! Joking aside, I really like diversity, being a Wong of all trades and I'm always looking out for something new.

Sure, thanks to good management, I still find time for the small pleasures of life. I do lots of cycling - a sport I rediscovered 5 years ago - which does me the world of good. I walk regularly in the beautiful spot where I live - the air is so pure...  I also ADORE Karaté which I discovered 2 years ago. I'm not Mr. Myagi, but I manage quite well :).  Last, but not least, there's dancing which was part of my childhood and adolescence and still thrills me as much today.

So why Kili?  Easy! It goes back to 2003 when I returned hooked on poor and forgotten places from a humanitarian mission in Haiti. I wanted to return but to another destination - Africa of course. I longed to explore it and I even went to a travel agency for some information. I was thinking of going with my son when, one day, my sister announced that she was joining a group from work on an expedition to Kilimanjaro! It didn't take much for me to join. WHAT A GREAT WAY to celebrate our 35th birthday - give ourselves the highest peak in Africa. Yahoo! Obviously, I hadn't planned on going there exactly and so soon but - I took it as a sign not to let such an opportunity pass and I decided to do something just for me ...

You know, in everyday life, being a single mother means wearing a lot of different hats - accountant, administrator, disciplinarian, cook, housewife, taxi, friend, doctor, etc. You end up forgetting yourself, losing yourself in the role of mother. I lost sight of Nadine the child, the woman, the great dreamer whom I loved and missed terribly. In 2004, I ended up in a wheelchair after an accident. The wheelchair has been put away but, since then, I desperately need to prove to myself that I can take on such a challenge. I need to get rid of all the labels - functional limitation, severe physical restrictions, 40% physical incapacity, bla,bla, bla - that the doctors and all the others gave me.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an ideal occasion for me to face a very personal challenge. It's also a dream - my old dream of going to Africa. But, above all, I hope it will help me to find Nadine, the child, the woman, the dreamer who were lost for far too long. I want to get to the summit of Africa and be able to say "Hey you. Heavens, but I've missed you".   (Even if I'm sure that my first words are more likely to be "***** MY FEET HURT *****"!!!!)

This is for you, my Kili gang - I love you so much already.
 "BY THE WAY, HOW ABOUT AN ICE-CREAM? LOL!!!".
       Wong xxx :)

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Annual report 2011

By Isabelle Privé

The year 2011 is dying and we're nearing 2012 and all its challenges.  Like everyone else, it's time for the annual report.  We've accomplished so much in 2011.

Team Kili-2012 was born and took shape. We had a vision: " Do things differently". That in turn governed our actions. We decided on fund-raising objectives. We created the "Kili Corner Shop", vowing to make everything ourselves. We had a gastronomical evening, a Casino, countless grocery packing sessions, we made muffins and chocolates. We found a way to function and to keep the books. (Thanks, Julie!)

We've signed our contracts and chosen ExPé as our guide. We've created partnerships with Organik and the office SAM programme for physical fitness. We've received a great deal of encouragement and support from our employer.

           We've created a bilingual blog. We've invented tools to visualize our objectives and chart our progress. All information is centralised through our e-mail address and our office Intranet site.

            We decided to be different by doing voluntary work ourselves instead of just giving money to worthy causes. Opération Enfant Soleil, l'Accueil Bonneau, La Grande Corvéé and l'UDA are just a few examples of our voluntary participation.

              We've put down our first deposit and our flight is reserved. Together, we've climbed 4 mountains: Monts Tremblant, Brassard, Éléphant and Nixon.

.

None of this was done by one person alone. Each member has contributed to these accomplishments and to the progress of the team on the road to our dream.

            WOW!  That's what we've accomplished in 2011!



Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Air-line Reservations

Two weeks ago, Team Kili had a special moment. It was time to book our air-line tickets! We heard about a super promotion on the Thursday: a return ticket from Montreal to Kilimanjaro and back for just over $1600. Unbeatable!

So we had a message from Sylvain telling each member of the team to ring the travel agents to make their reservation by credit card. We had until the following Tuesday.....

All day Friday and Monday, we kept getting messages from members: "It's done!", "I'm leaving...!", "Hasta la vista baby!", "I'm going too. It's official!", etc.....

All 19 members of Team Kili-2012 now have their reservations...

WE'RE GOING! IT'S OFFICIAL!

Exciting!!!


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Meet Martine

By Martine Lussier

Jumbo! Hello!

I'm Martine Lussier, Team Leader, DPCCC Entreprises/Particuliers, Services de cartes Desjardins.

Hungry for new discoveries, I dream of setting out on adventure and living unforgettable experiences.

Climbing the highest summit in Africa will definitely be my biggest challenge to date. 15 months of preparation, fitness training, enriching encounters and enduring friendships! A journey that will expand my personal boundaries and culminate in a safari in which wild life takes on its deepest meaning.

Kilimanjaro, a breathtaking adventure! I intend living each moment to the full. A story that will stay in my heart and my spirit for ever!

Hakuna Matata !!!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Special People - Guylaine Keable and Jean Pagé

By André Lachapelle

It's now several months since we started our journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The training, the fund-raising, the meetings, our 5 to 7s .... all these activities are an integral part of the journey and the experience of a life-time. I don't remember who exactly, but a wise man once said: "The journey is as important as the destination".  Now I understand why.

Everything we're experiencing at the moment - buying our equipment, going to Accueil Bonneau and so on - builds character. We're still 12 000 Km and around 280 days from Kilimanjaro, but we're already feeling the effects. The relationship between team members is different from that with other colleagues. A special bond of friendship, that I don't have with others, is developing in the team.

I was expecting all that. I was expecting emotional and personal changes in myself. I was expecting to feel uncomfortable with fund-raising.

But one thing I hadn't expected -  meeting special people along the way. We met two of them last night: Guylaine Keable and Jean Pagé. They are also members of the Desjardins family and live in beautiful Quebec City. What's so special about that?  Well, they climbed Kilimanjaro in 2010 and, as if that wasn't enough, they're now getting ready to climb to the Everest base camp. They deserve our profound respect and admiration - special people!
  
It's so remarkable that, although Guylaine and Jean were total strangers before, it only took an e-mail telling them about our project for them to offer us their friendship. It's as if we're now part of a family. There are ordinary people and there are those who have climbed or are going to climb Kilimanjaro. The connection is instantaneous, it feels comfortable, it's so easy. And talk of help - mutual help. I've already mentioned that Guylaine and Jean are from Quebec City. But they had to come to Montreal on business so we arranged to meet - in the evening - late in the evening! I've never known a meeting to be set up so easily. "OK, if  I come to Montreal - I'll have a look at my agenda - perhaps at lunch-time - we could meet for lunch - maybe there'd be more time after my meeting......."
How about Wednesday evening at 7.30? No problem. It's settled! The only way I can explain what's happening is that it's the mountain itself and the adventure that are bringing us together in friendship.

How can I describe their presence last night? Informal, among friends (remember - this was our first meeting), open, relaxed. But what a flood of information.....

Thank you Guylaine. Thank you Jean. We were completely engrossed by your thrilling story, your advice and your pictures. You've given us so much energy - so much, in fact, that I'd be ready to set off tomorrow. But cool it - slow down a bit - you have to take the time....

Good luck for Everest. I'll be one of your most ardent followers throughout your journey.
I invite everyone to follow Guylaine and Jean's adventure on the following link:
http://monteverest2012.com/

And maybe you'd like to encourage them with a gift.


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Team Kili-2012 Fund-raising Events

Full descriptions of these events may be found on the French blog:
Clic on "Français" at the top of the Home Page

Casino du 22 octobre 2011
October 22, 2011
Casino with 12 Black Jack tables and 2 Poker tables
Over 100 guests attended - a big success!

Souper gastronomique, vente de hot-dog, photos...
September 23, 2011
Gastronomical Supper at the Calixa-Lavallée Institute
Held with the collaboration of the SCD social club
90 full and satisfied guests

September 24, 2011
Hot-dog sale outside the Rona store, Terrebonne

October 10, 2011
Group and family photos offered at the Laval Nature Center


Une autre réussite!
September 1, 2 & 3, 2011
Grocery packing at the Super-C, Terrebonne

Bonbons, chocolats et bretzels!
On-going activity - the Team Kili-2012 Corner Shop

Home-made confectionary: trail-mix nuts, chocolate pretzels, pop-corn, sugared pea-nuts, chocolates and so on. These are all stylishly packed, presented and sold at the office.
Orders received for 450 boxes of hand-made chocolates! Quite a challenge!



Créativité, innovation et talent!

July 1st, 2011

The Corner Shop adds muffins to the menu (they sell like hot-cakes....)
It's getting even more stylish with new display units (custom-made by our cabinet maker, Pierre)
which encourage brisk sales

Acivité emballage d'épicerie - un succès!
June 25, 2011

Grocery packing at Maxi's, Laprairie

          







Une première activité de levée de fonds se termine....
Activité semaine de Päques
April 21, 2011
Easter sale of home-made confectionary - 1078 chocolates and 278 lollipops
Our first fund-raising effort - profits were double our expectations!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Love and Dignity on the Menu

By Isabelle Privé


Last Saturday, several members of the team paid a second visit to Accueil Bonneau to help with a meal. I was privileged to be part of it.

Acceuil Bonneau isn't just about giving a meal to the homeless. Accueil Bonneau is the purest form of love, friendship and generosity.

We were given a visit round the premises when we arrived and the "little sister" who showed us round told us about its history. Highly organised, they provide clothes (already washed and ironed), haircuts, even help with the budget. It all goes like clockwork.

It's already a lot. But do you know what she said does the most good for the people who go there? It isn't so much the soup, the pair of socks or the haircut. It's the welcome, the smile and and the fact of just being noticed by someone.

I can vouch for that. My job at the meal on Saturday was to welcome them, collect their entrance tickets (handed out by another volunteer at the door) and give them a tray on which my colleagues could serve the meal. I was so impressed and touched by their pleasant manner and politeness. It was a cold day so they took the tray I handed them with cold hands but with a look, a smile and a thank you. Simple things, but I felt the pride behind them. And I too was proud because, for once, I looked beyond the itinerant at the corner of the street. I saw a human being like me, like everybody.

The sisters who run Accueil Bonneau thanked us for volunteering. It's funny, but I had the impression that we should have been the ones to say thank you. Thank you for allowing us to share in this exercise in love and friendship and for reminding us that a simple smile can be as warming as a  plate of soup. A lesson in living to remember and to pass on. And thank you to the Kili 2012 project for giving me the excuse I needed for going there. Another summit!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Organik or Hooked on Health

By Isabelle Privé

Occasionally, someone comes along who changes your life.  Scott, the founding President of the Organik company is like that! I met this fascinating man last year when I attended what is called a Health Break at work. A health break is 10 minutes taken sometime in the day to stretch, ease the muscles, breath deeply and relax. After I'd experienced 10 minutes of Health Break and an immediate feeling of well-being, Scott convinced me easily that it's worthwhile chosing health. Since then, I never miss a chance to spend my afternoon break with him or one of his health team to breath, stretch, move, re-center and recharge my batteries.

Scott is a pro in health motivation. His belief in what he teaches is so strong that it's contagious..
He really practises what he preaches and that makes all the difference!

Like us, Scott has a mission: fight stress.  Stress undermines the health of the majority of North Americans and enriches the pharmaceutical companies. How to fight it? By adopting healthy living habits, by breathing properly, exercising, eating well, drinking lots of water and getting a good night's sleep. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But, as Scott says, simple doesn't mean easy!

In the SCD, we are lucky enough to benefit from this experience 3 days a week. We also receive instruction and advice from a team of health specialists such as naturopath, nutritionist, physical trainer and even Yogi  because Organik is also a dynamic, informed team who work synergistically and offer a whole range of health education adapted to the needs of  the workplace.

When I told Scott about the Kilimanjaro project, he immediately offered to help us on our journey towards the top. The team was able to attend a conference called Health Redefined which outlined much the same process that we are following in order to meet our challenge. Whether it is individually or in a team, our project obliges us to redefine what we mean by health and how to improve it, live it and develop it every day. We have to get our minds and bodies ready for the challenge and, to do that, we must chose health.

It's a pleasure for us to be associated with Organik in promoting good health. Thank you to Scott and his team for supporting and accompanying us throughout the next 10 months on our journey to the top.  Whether it's in changing eating habits, in stepping up our training sessions or in overcoming obstacles along the way, we need all the help Organik can give us.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Shopping Spree - Calculators Needed

By Isabelle Privé

Last night, we had a rendez-vous with our coach-guide-partner, Mathieu Fleury from ExPé, in a sporting goods shop in order to look at the equipment we'll need for the Kilimanjao expedition. At the same time, Mathieu gave us each a file with all the information about the trip - from obtaining a visa for Tanzania, to medication and vaccinations, to details about each day of the trip. Enough to fill our dreams for the next 10 months!

We were able to visit the entire shop and see all the equipment necessary for such an endeavor. Cotton is to be avoided at all costs and the many-layered fashion is essential. That means a thin layer, an intermediate layer and a Goretex style coat, as well as a down-lined coat for the evening. We really appreciated Mathieu showing us all the alternatives in a complete range of prices.

Another step completed in our preparation As our guide says, it's time to turn our words into actions.

We all left with our calculators in hand. Those of the Kili team who are shopping specialists are already working hard to find the best deals.

One thing is certain, Father Christmas is going to receive 19 lists very, very soon.









  Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Hiking on Mont Brassard

By Isabelle Privé

On Saturday, October 15, Team Kili-2012 got together on Mont Brassard which is in the Sept Chutes Regional Park, Lanaudière.

Environment Canada forecast 13 degrees, rain and winds gusting up to 70 km/hour. A perfect test for us and our equipment.

And what a day we had! Wind and rain. We even had hail. Put your hands together for Mother Nature for providing perfect conditions to challenge us. Put on your hat and gloves, take them off again, take off your jacket .....oops, put it on again, it's raining. We can't stop for long - when you're walking you get hot, when you stop, you freeze. Watch out for puddles, be careful where you put your feet.

The great thing about a day like this - the wonderful surprises. A ray of sunshine; a family of grey jays eating out of our hands; breathtaking views; laughter; helping each other; the satisfaction of succeeding. And last but not least - a good supper together afterwards.

Thanks to Julie for introducing us to this magnificent mountain which surprises us at each bend in the path with its views, its waterfalls and its lakes.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Point of No Return

By Isabelle Privé


Team Kili-2012 has just passed an important mile-stone.

October 15 was the cut-off date for joining the Kilimanjaro adventure. It's now official and the members of Team Kili-2012 have reached the point of no return.

Out of 33, the remaining 19 members will leave for Kilimanjaro next September.

Our thanks to all those who have travelled part of the way with us but, for different reasons, are unable to continue. A special thanks to Geneviève and Julie for their important and assiduous implication. They reached their personal pinacle. That too is part of the journey.

Pour the rest of the team, the first part of the journey is over and we are beginning the count-down to our departure - for real!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Fund-raising for the Horn of Africa

By Isabelle Privé

The generosity of SCD employees was again in evidence last Thursday when we held a fund-raising activity in aid of the Red Cross and, through them,  famine victims in the Horn of Africa. Over 12 million people are affected by this tragedy and, as we'll be in Africa next year, we felt particularly moved to do our part, as part of Team Kili-2012's voluntary programme.
A half and half draw and sales from our Kili-2012 Corner Shop brought in over $500 which we'll be donating to the Red Cross. WOW!!

Our stand had a very African and Kili atmosphere, with African music from Philippe Noel and a photo-video presentation of Team Kili-2012. Our cabinet maker Pierre had made a superb replica of the wooden sign that we'll be able to touch next year at 5895 meters. We also wore our attractive shirts bearing the logo designed by Viky Pomerleau. Thank you to all these people. We particularly appreciated the generous offer of help from non-members Viky and Philippe.

This event also served to introduce our members and our project to SCD employees who were perhaps unfamiliar with the project and with our mission to promote health, social responsibility, teamwork and physical activity.

Thanks to our employer who allowed us to put on this fund-raising event in aid of the Horn of Africa, and contributed to it by their support. It was a perfect example of team-work. Well done!

THANK YOU!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

An Unforgettable Race

By Isabelle Privé

What a day we had last Sunday when several Team Kili-2012 members, ex members and friends ran the Montreal 10 km Marathon.

We all had to outdo ourselves and overcome obstacles. Only 2 months ago, André told me that he just couldn't run for long. Not only did he run the 10 km but he's now hooked on jogging!

Rosanna's challenge was to run 10 km without walking! She started by running 10 minutes, then 20, then 30 and, finally, a very proud woman passed the finish line saying "I did it, even if it was hard, I never stopped".

Manon too surpassed herself. The day before, she wondered why on earth she had signed up for the 10 km. Well, she succeeded brilliantly.

Nathalie was quite overcome with pride and satisfaction when she reached the finishing line and I'll never forget how her face lit up.

As for me, in the space of an hour, I think I went through all the emotions. Pleasure at seeing thousands of people in the streets. Doubt, when I felt a pain in my knee in the middle of the race. Fear that I wouldn't finish, telling myself repeatedly to keep going a little further, not to give up. Exhaustion when the end is in sight and you think you can't run another step. The final sprint which takes all you've got. And, finally, the joy, the immense joy at having succeeded, at having finished, at having beaten my personal best. And the happiness in seeing your friends finishing too!

We'll never forget our feelings that day. And now? Well, 3 days later, my friends had a little jog during their lunch hour. Our friend Sylvie who walked her first race has taken up jogging. Next year, she wants to run!

That's the magic of getting caught up in physical activity and fitness. It's catching! You can be sure we'll go on spreading the Good News.

Team Kili-2012 would like to offer their deepest sympathy to the family of the athlete who died during the demi-marathon on Sunday. Our thoughts are with you. We must make the most of each moment. Who knows what life has in store for us.

*****

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

A Morning at Accueil Bonneau - and - Bravo Catherine

By Isabelle Privé

Last Saturday 4 Kili members - Manon M., Nathalie, Manon F. and Rosanna with her daughter -  had arranged to meet at Accueil Bonneau to help with the preparation and service of about 480 meals. After a short visit round the premises, they made sure that everything was ready to welcome the needy people who would be coming to eat what could well be the only meal of their day. They include the homeless as well as families, students and old people.

The Kili members were impresssed by the organisation and efficiency in the preparation and service of the meals. Starting at 8h00 in the morning, volunteers prepare the meal and serve it to over 450 people. At midday, it's all over, including the washing-up!

A return visit is planned in November to help with this essential work. Poverty spares no-one and it's always rewarding for those, like us, who are among society's more privileged, to give some of their time.

Thanks to our hosts for their welcome and for allowing us to have this unforgettable experience.

Bravo Catherine

We'd like to congratulate our Kili team member Catherine who took part this weekend in the Défi-vélo 24 hours in aid of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Catherine was part of the SCD (Service de Cartes Desjardins) relay team who, between them, cycled for 48 hours to raise money for this foundation which allows sick children to live their dream.

Bravo Catherine and all the team for having succeeded in this demanding feat for such an excellent cause!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Less Than a Year

by Isabelle Privé

As Andre pointed out in the previous message, we are now less than a year from the start of our expedition. Next year, at this time, we'll be living our adventure to the full and maybe even near the top.
When you think about it, one year may seem long .. or very short! Let's take a look at what we have to do before the big departure.

1. Signing the contract with ExPe; This step will be made this week or, at the latest, in mid-October! The signing of the contract (accompanied by the deposit) marks a significant milestone in our adventure. This is our formal commitment to the Kilimanjaro adventure!

2. Delivery of a health certificate, signed by a doctor, certifying that we can handle high altitudes. We have until December to return the form to Mathieu (EXPE). So that means we all need to see a doctor for a check-up.
3. There's a long vaccination list: tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria, yellow fever, malaria, cholera. Hours of fun! I can't wait to eat all those bugs... mmmmm!
4. Passport. Make sure it's up to date, or, like me, get a new one (no, not everyone has a passport).
5. Equipment. Most of us have our hiking boots. It's a start. We also need: a warm coat, underwear, socks, sweaters ... all without cotton! Sleeping bag for -20 -30, backpack, water bottles, We don't have the list yet but you get the picture ...
6. Training, as a group - fifteen Sundays climbing the steps of Mount Royal are to come, a winter climb of Mont-Saint-Hilaire (to acclimate to the cold). The ascent of Mount Jefferson and part of Mount Washington next summer. Individually - well, for some it's jogging, gym for others. Up the stairs to the office, swimming, walking, cycling, different races ... in short, everything you can do to keep fit.
7. Financing: twenty financing activities - groceries, Casino night, gourmet dinner, chocolate production, Kili Fixes for afternoon craves.
8. Volunteering: we'll continue to give our time throughout the year to Accueil Bonneau, Hôpital Sainte-Justine Children's Miracle Network, Run for the Cure .... our mandate is at least one volunteer activity per month.
When you look at the list, one year, it doesn't seem long at all ... it looks very very short!


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Just a Thought

 Good morning.
Just a thought like that ...

don't know if you noticed something ...

... take a good look on the blog ...

... you see?

I leave you a little more time ...

... I give you a hint. Watch the countdown.

IT IS LESS THAN A YEAR!

... Just a thought like that. Good weekend to all. ;-)

From André Lachapelle

Mont Tremblant - Photos

By André Lachapelle

Here are a few photos of our climb up Mont Tremblant last weekend.

Click on: ce lien


As you can see, our training has really started and this, our first excursion, helped to make it all seem real.


Thanks to our project leader, Mathieu, from  Ex-Pé,  for the photos.


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Breaking the Ice

By Andre Lachapelle 

It was our ice breaker this weekend. We faced Mont-Tremblant. For me, the day before I finally committed. I went to buy a pair of boots and walking sticks. Voila! I have some of my equipment now.

Then we hit the road. We were at Sylvain's by 9:00am. Then, in three cars, we left for Mont-Tremblant.

We met our guide Mathieu in the parking lot. Mathieu is The Main One who will take us to the summit of Kilimanjaro. He made a short presentation on the essential material to have when mountain hiking.

First stage, going through the village. Nothing too difficult there if it wasn't for the delicious smell of the restaurants. Good steaks cooking on the grills, I thought of the meager sandwich in my bag ... Oh well! It's for a good cause.

We took four hours to reach the top. And two hours to descend. We took our time. We wanted to stay together. A united group. And that's what struck me. Complete agreement, without talking about it beforehand. We all conveyed a sense of community. It was really inspiring. I didn't expect this kind of team behavior on our first outing. This is something that normally develops over time I think. However we had it - straight away. What a great team we are!

And what to say about the ascent. Laughter at every turn! Really, we laughed ourselves to tears.

It is often said that walking the path is as important as achieving the goal. While our goal is to climb Kilimanjaro, our training (such as Mont Tremblant) is the path that leads towards this goal. I already learnt a lesson on Mont-Tremblant walking the path. You see, I'm the kind of person who will try once. 

If I fail, I will try again.  If I fail again, I'll say "the hell with it" and I'll move on.

But not Carmen. Carmen never flinched on Saturday. In any case, if she thought about quitting, it didn't show. What strength of character! What struck me most was that, at the top, she arrived at the cottage ... with a big smile! Against all the odds and the elements (it was raining cats and dogs on our heads), Carmen arrived smiling! She was smiling!

Well, what a lesson! In life, in the face of adversity. Again and again to continue without flinching. And in silence. And above all. With a smile!

Carmen thank you for this wonderful lesson of life. I will remember it.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Mont Tremblant Tomorrow...

By André Lachapelle

Tomorrow's the big day - our first team excursion.
On the menu: Mont Tremblant.

Although I've been there often, this is the first time I've faced the mountain in trekking mode.
I've got somewhat mixed feelings - some excitement and some apprehension. As usual, I'm not ready. I still haven't bought my boots, I have no suitable clothing and no walking poles. Nothing!


If Manon was here, she'd be sure to have something to say about it. She's gets so exasperated by my procrastinating tendencies ...... Happy Holidays, Manon......looking forward to seeing you soon....:-)
As for me, I'll manage somehow....




Translated by Pamela Gauvin

We are in Shakespeare's Mother Tongue now!

By André Lachapelle

Hello people!

We are a group of 22 ordinary people with extra ordinary dreams.  And we are committed to making them happen.

Our objective: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2012.

We had the idea back in October 2010, we started the project officially in March 2011.  And here we are now, a tightly woven group.

We're going to relate our journey to the Kilimanjaro in this blog.  Not only the trip itself.  But the details of how to get there.  We hope that you will enjoy reading us.  And we specially hope that our action may inspire someone somewhere to take action and make his dream come true.
You can also follow our blog in French by following this link.

Stay tuned!

Voluntary Activities - Update

By Isabelle Privé

On May 16, we published an article about our intention to do voluntary work for different charitable causes. (See Team Kili-2012 now has a cause .....or several....)

How's it going 3 months later?

Well, Team Kili members have been very busy! We walked to support a team at Relais pour la Vie, we manned the phones for Opération Enfant Soleil and we participated in the Grande Corvée in Monterégie.

And that's just for starters!

The autumn is going to be busy for Team Kili-2012 volunteers. Several have decided to get personally involved with children at Sainte-Justine Hospital. They'll spend time each week with "their" children, keeping them company, playing with them and listening to them. This in turn gives the parents a badly needed break.

Others are going to help out at Accueil Bonneau, starting on September 10. Helpers are in demand constantly, to prepare and serve meals to the needy. This will be a regular activity for us.

We're preparing a Kili team to participate in the Course à la Vie on October 2. Together we hope to contribute at least $400.00 to the fight against breast cancer.

Again, this is only a beginning, as our volunteers are always looking for more ways to get involved.

A different choice

Many groups decide to finance their Kilimanjaro ascent collecting funds by associating with a particular cause.

Our decision to finance ourselves separately and to involve ourselves voluntarily in different causes has sometimes led to misunderstanding and reticence.

However, we are really proud of our choice. Even if it's longer, more difficult and les popular, we have no regrets. We are living the most extraordinary human experiences and our team has been strengthened and united by the feeling of personal accomplishment that comes with the gift of self. Maybe our way's not "in", but it's Team Kili-2012's trade mark. A team that dares to be different!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Here's to the Journey!

By Isabelle Privé

I'd like to tell you a bit about myself.  I signed on for the Kilimanjaro project without really knowing what I was letting myself in for. Since I said "yes" to my Kili colleague André's message last December, a lot has happened.

I've rediscovered the pleasure of writing through this blog. I've organised a fund-raising event. I've discovered the satisfaction of giving. I wasn't really the sort to do voluntary work but I've discovered the immense joy, the pride and the feeling of duty fulfilled that accompany the gift of self.

I found a rôle in the team by helping to look after communications. Inform the members about future events, send reminders and invitations, discuss future activities...dream...plan.

I've discovered that getting special shirts made is more complicated than you'd think!

Since the beginning of this crazy adventure, I'm discovering strengths I didn't even know I had. Or maybe I've uncovered forgotten sides of myself. Buried under all the responsibilities of everyday life and the trials of adulthood, these strengths were just waiting for an excuse to resurface.

  

At the same time........ the fear of the upcoming challenge is always present. How many times have I asked myself -  "What on earth have you got yourself into?"

I'm not too keen on trekking as such. I don't even know what sort of equipment is needed. The one and only mountain I've ever climbed is Mont Tremblant last year. I walked on the mountain for the whole of 2 hours!

And now, we're talking about an expedition, about walking for 4 - 7 hours a day for 10 days. I'm hearing about mountain sickness, pills, vaccinations, passport, travel insurance (MAXIMUM), backpack weighing 35 liters, towelettes for washing in the absence of showers on the mountain. Sleeping in my winter jacket in a tent for two... Sure,  I've been camping before - in a trailer-tent - in summer!

Then there's the journey. The only time I've ever been on a plane was from Sept-Iles to Montreal when I was 4! .....  And now I'm going to Africa? 24 hours on the plane? And the safari? In a tent next to the lions and the giraffes?

It seems more like science fiction than a wonderful dream. You ask me if I'm afraid?

YES, I'M SCARED STIFF!!!

 So why go, in that case?  Because, at the end of the adventure, I'll have lived to the full and survived a 24 hour journey, an expedition up Africa's highest mountain and a safari. And, last but not least, I'll have overcome my fears!

Who knows what other strengths I'll discover along the way!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin 

Meet Nathalie

By Nathalie Roussin

A drastic change in my life 2 years ago - everything was going   too fast - much too fast.....

WHOA, I said to myself, or you're going to lose it big time....

           So, how about the gym to get fit and have a badly needed change of ideas.

So, GO - GO - GO ....off to the gym.
 

And then comes the big idea on the notice board from André and his gang...

Kilimanjaro....... 

WHOA , I told myself again - you there - you're really not up to it.
 
Anyway, why not do something different from the gym, and try a few mountains in the meantime - just enough to give you the taste for more....
 
I'll tell you the rest of the story after September 2012. I'm just off to start getting ready and, especially, to get fit so that I can realize a dream that mustn't pass me by.

Thank you to life for having given me this opportunity!!!!


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Project Update - July

By Isabelle Privé

A team meeting was held last Thursday with 18 out of 23 members present.

Losses:

The further we get into our adventure, the more it takes on Olympic proportions, whether in the amount of time needed for fund-raising, for training and for voluntary work, or in the difficulty represented by the climb itself.

Sadly, the team has lost several of its original members. We'd like to thank Line, Bruno-Pierre, Gabrielle, Maude and Pascal for having had the guts to come so far. We wish them all the best.

As the team gets smaller, the bond between us gets stronger. We are more determined than ever to live up to our dream.

Money matters:

The dates and amounts of the deposits to be made are now known and, with this step, we wake up to the reality of our commitment to the project.  It will be even more so in October when we make our first payment to Expé.

Mathieu Fleury, Expé:

Our partner, Mathieu Fleury from Expé, was there to talk about the adventure and answer our questions. Vaccinations, passports, training and equipment were covered. We learnt that we won't be able to wash our hair, that there'll be no toilets between the camps and that there's not a load of bushes either!!!  Type of boots, type of backpack. Training sessions on Mont Royal. In other words, a first inkling of what it'll be like to travel with Expé. Thank you, Mathieu, for coming and for answering our questions so fully.

Voluntary work:

As voluntary involvement is at the heart of our project, we decided to plan at least one activity a month. We've started discussing with Sainte-Justine Hospital ways of spending some time with their sick children. We'll keep you up to date. 

Group activity:

We've planned a weekend at Sylvain and Janie's chalet in August to practise living as a team. We'll be camping, climbing Mont Tremblant and spending the evening round the fire. A good occasion for really getting to know one another!

Fund-raising:

We're sure to keep warm this Autumn with all the fund-raising activities planned. Packing groceries, organising a gastronomic supper, Casino evenings, Bowl-a-thon. We need everyone to pitch in if we're going to succeed.

Our fund-raising activity "Kili Corner Shop" is a victim of its own success! We're having trouble keeping up with the demand for our little bags of treats. So plan on spending several evenings producing them at Sylvain and Janie's.

Another jam-packed meeting and a very pleasant evening with the team!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Meet Louis

By Louis Hamelin

Hello,
My name's Louis Hamelin and I've been a section director at Desjardins for several years.

It was a colleague who told me about the project. I'm a great lover of the open air and of wide open spaces, as those who know me can tell you. So - I lost no time in signing on to this adventure.

For me, climbing Kilimanjaro is, most importantly, a way to test and surpass my physical and mental limits and also a time for introspection. I'm convinced that I'll come through this adventure transformed by living in close contact with the team, by experiencing completely different surroundings and exacting and destabilising conditions.

I'm familiar with the dangers of mountain sickness after staying in the Peruvian Andes at 4 000 meters. It's a calculated risk for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of high places. 

I don't practise any particular sport but I'm always on the move. I rowed for several years and I do downhill skiing, I cycle and I've just added jogging. Even if you're in the best of health and very fit, mountain sickness can still hit you.

I'm very keen and excited at the idea of doing this climb in Africa with my colleagues.
Youppi!!!!!


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

FundScrip

By André Lachapelle

I'm pleased to announce that our fund-raising scheme FundScrip is now up and running.

  

What is FundScrip? It's a means of fund-raising by buying, through our members, a gift card from one of the member retailers (Ex: IGA, Super C, Canadian Tire....). FundScrip will reimburse Team Kili-2012 with a percentage of the price of the card.
You are invited to look up the complete list of retailers at this link:

http://www.fundscrip.com/Détaillants/liste_des_detaillants.aspx

So, how exactly does it work?
Easy!

Choose the retailer or retailers who interest you on the above list. Then order your cards from a member of our team. We'll fetch your cards and get them back to you. As we pick them up on Mondays, we need to have your orders by the preceding Thursday.
A percentage of the amount you pay will be deposited in our account by FundScrip.
 
Let's look at a concrete example:
Isabelle is a member of Team Kili-2012. Her Aunt Gertrude gives her $100 to get her a gift card from IGA. Isabelle orders the card from the designated person in the team. The following Monday this person fetches a gift card worth $100 from IGA, gives it to Isabelle who passes in on to her Aunt. As IGA offers 3%, FundScrip then deposits $3 in the Team Kili-2012 account. The same procedure is then repeated every week.

So now you and your family and friends can start ordering cards for your everyday shopping or for larger purchases.

It's a simple and easy way to support the Kili-2012 project.

We can also get recurrent cards if that suits you better. For instance, if you always shop at Maxi's, we can get a recurrent card for the amount you choose.

Please ask a member of the team if you have any questions about the scheme.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Meet Manon M.

By Isabelle Privé

The members of Team Kili-2012 like to be on the go. One of them is Manon Marleau.

Though discreet, Manon is one of the pillars of our organisation. A founder of the project and a team player, she likes the outdoors, challenges and all-out physical activity. If something needs organizing, Manon's the perfect person to get on the team.

As well as dealing with the logistics for Team Kili-2012, Manon is a member of the SCD social club. You'll often see her outside the cafeteria, giving out tickets for shows or taking inscriptions for different activities. That's as well as working out during her lunch hour.

As if that weren't enough, she never misses an opportunity to get out of the city for a excursion in the mountains or for a bike ride, a kayak trip or other outdoor activity. She even participated in the Tour de l'Ile 2011.

Manon is extremely active, full of energy and always ready for an adventure. In other words, a perfect candidate for Kilimanjaro.

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

The Joy of Giving...

By Isabelle Privé

Thanks to the generosity of the clients, grocery packing at Maxi's in Laprairie allowed us to make just over $1000! Out of this amount, we were delighted to make a donation of $102 to the President's Choice Foundation.

Once again, we'd like to thank the Laprairie Maxi employees for their kindness and their welcome, especially Mme Clémence Lapierre who  went out of her way to offer us supplementary dates.
                                                     See you again in September!

Congratulations to the Team Kili-2012 members who managed to pack up all the orders without squashing a single loaf of bread......

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

It's nice to be noticed by our employer!

By Isabelle Privé

 

Unexpected recognition of our project appeared recently in the form of a comic strip on the office Intranet.

The chap climbing the stairs gets to the top only to be faced with the announcement that 25 SCD employees are going to climb Kilimanjaro in 2012.

We'll have to climb an awful lot of stairs to get us in shape for such a feat!

Our thanks to the authors of the weekly cartoon on the SCD Intranet. It's most encouraging to know that they believe in our project!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Kilimanjaro - Now a Dream, Soon Just a Memory

By Sylvain Thériault

I've done it at last - here's my first text on the blog. I've been thinking about it for a long time but always put it off. My colleagues know how much I love talking but, when it's time to write, I get stuck. My fingers aren't quick enough for my brain. Who knows why?

Once, when I was travelling in France with my daughter, she said "My legs don't want to go on". I replied "Tell your legs that it's not up to them to decide what to do. That's a job for your brain. Your legs wanted to be legs and they have a job to do - walk". She gave me a look and said "Dad, you're quite mad!"
Because my hands are so slow, I have to keep starting over as my thoughts change in the middle of a sentence. It never gets better. How many times do you think I've rewritten this text? Anyway, here's what I want to say....

Time goes too quickly. It's already 9 months since a team supper when we discussed our dreams, ambitions, travels. Three magic words for Manon, André and me. Three words - synonym for "climb Kilimanjaro". and that's how the KILI PROJECT was born.

There are only 14 months left before we can kiss the famous sign that welcomes us to Africa' s summit. For some that may seem too difficult but, together with the people I'm getting to know through the project, I believe that my dream will soon be just a memory.
So, the ice is broken. Because of the Kili project, I've ventured out of my comfort zone. And the further out, the more I like it.

Hi there, Kili, you're going to have visitors - get ready to give us lots of magical moments. In 14 months you'll be part of the story of my life.

            See you soon!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Team Kili-2012 leaves in September with Expé

By Isabelle Privé

Another step has been taken this week with the vote to choose our departure date and the company we're going with. The vote was democratic and won by the majority!

First, a drum roll.... .... ... ..

We hope to leave in the week of 2 September 2012 and we'll be travelling with EXPÉ.

(See the article 'One Step at a Time Towards "Day K"'  -  June 14 2011)

The exact date will be decided later, depending on available flights, etc.

Our journey will last 21 - 22 days and bring us (we hope) to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and into the African plains.

I don't know about you, but I get goose bumps just thinking about it!

Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Meet Pierre

By Pierre Gauvin

Hello,

I was drawn to the Kilimanjaro project because I wanted to travel differently - swap the suitcase for a back-pack and a good pair of boots. I've been up Mount Washington twice and developed a warm feeling for the mountains. My car engine had the same feeling but got a bit too hot. Ha! Ha! 

I'm not a great sportsman but I like to seize any opportunity for exercise - I devour stairs, the manual lawn-mower occupies my Saturday mornings and I adore moving rocks around in my back yard. Seven hours in front of a computer is quite enough inactivity.

I've been swimming at the Montreal YMCA in my lunch hour for years. It breaks up the day and helps to get the stress level down. I like racket sports so much that I even put them on my feet in the winter!

While creating strong and enriching relationships and making us leave our comfort zone to  rough it for a while, this type of travelling with a team allows us to realize how spoilt and fortunate we really are.

My father's death in 2009 woke me up to the fact that life is short and that we only have one chance to follow our dreams. So I say "yes" to life more often and that I try to make it as full and rich as possible.


Translated by Pamela Gauvin

Janie's Day in Montérégie

By Janie Brunet

Hello everyone,

I'd like to share my day with you -  Sunday, June 13, at the Montérégie  GRANDE CORVÉE. (a collective labour of love after major flooding)

First of all, I adored my day. No problems afterwards except a bit of muscle cramp in my arm. We worked two to a sandbag because the water made them too heavy for one person. If I'd owned a company dealing in earthworms, I'd have made a fortune!

We were 10 to a team and, when you see what we accomplished, you realise what a difference it makes when you're determined to get it done. The people we helped were all 80 and over. If you'd seen the expression on their faces. People living so near to us and so desperate for help.

If you have the capacity and the time, it feels so good to help in this way..

Translated by Pamela Gauvin