Climbing Higher Together

Thank You for Helping Us Climb Higher Together

As we prepare for our Mount Kilimanjaro climb this September, we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated to our Climbing Higher Together fundraiser in support of CAMH.

Every donation—large or small—means more than simply helping us move closer to our $5,895 fundraising goal, one dollar for every meter of Kilimanjaro. It represents encouragement, compassion, and a shared belief that mental health deserves greater awareness, support, and conversation.

When Lori and I take our first steps toward the summit, we will be carrying far more than our backpacks. We will be carrying the support of our family, friends, patients, colleagues, businesses, and members of our community who have chosen to stand behind this cause.

To everyone who has already sponsored a meter, shared our story, or encouraged us along the way: thank you for being part of this journey.

The summit may be our destination, but the real purpose of this climb is the impact we can create together.

We are climbing higher together—one step, one meter, and one donation at a time.

With gratitude,
Laurent & Lori

Why We're Supporting Mental Health

Every Day, We Meet People Climbing Mountains of Their Own

On September 24, 2026, we'll begin a seven-day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 meters.

For many people, climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure. For us, it's something much more meaningful.

Every day at Pillars of Wellness we work with people facing challenges that can feel like mountains of their own. Some are recovering from injuries or surgery. Others are learning to manage chronic pain, neurological conditions, mobility limitations, anxiety, depression, grief, or life's unexpected obstacles.

Although every journey is different, they all have something in common: resilience.

We've seen firsthand that progress doesn't always happen in giant leaps. Sometimes it's taking a few more steps without pain. Sometimes it's returning to work after an injury. Sometimes it's finding the courage to ask for help. Every achievement matters.

That resilience inspired Climbing Higher Together. More information on our page: https://pillarsofwellness.ca/climbing-higher-together/

More Than a Mountain

Kilimanjaro will challenge us physically and mentally.

There will be steep climbs, changing weather, fatigue, high altitude, and moments when taking the next step feels difficult.

Those moments remind us of what so many people experience every day.

While we'll be climbing one mountain in Tanzania, thousands of people throughout Burlington and Halton are climbing challenges of their own.

Our goal isn't simply to reach the summit.

Our goal is to remind people that no one has to climb alone.

Why We're Supporting Mental Health

Mental health affects every family, every workplace, every school, and every community.

Many people silently face anxiety, depression, stress, grief, burnout, or other mental health challenges while continuing to care for their families, go to work, and support those around them.

Recovery often begins with one conversation, one connection, and one person willing to help.

That's why we're proud to support CAMH Halton through this campaign.

Funds raised will help strengthen access to local mental health programs and services that make a real difference in people's lives.

Introducing Climbing Higher Together

Climbing Higher Together is a community movement built around one simple belief:

Every step counts.

You don't need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to participate.

Walk your neighborhood.

Hike your favourite trail.

Ride your bike.

Go for a run.

Complete your rehabilitation exercises.

Join a fitness class.

Move in whatever way works for you.

Every step honor someone overcoming challenges while supporting better mental health in our community.

The 5,895 Challenge

Mount Kilimanjaro stands 5,895 meters above sea level.

To celebrate that journey, we're inviting everyone to take part in the 5,895 Challenge.

Participate on your own or with your family, workplace, school, sports team, or community group.

Set a movement goal that's meaningful to you, track your progress, and encourage others to join you.

It's not about who finishes first.

It's about climbing together.

Sponsor a Meter

We're also inviting our community to help us reach our fundraising goal by Sponsoring a Meter.

Our goal is to raise $5,895—one dollar for every meter of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Whether you sponsor one meter or one hundred, every donation helps strengthen local mental health services while showing someone they don't have to face life's challenges alone.

Every contribution makes a difference.

Follow the Journey

Throughout the expedition, we'll be sharing photos, videos, stories, and reflections directly from Mount Kilimanjaro.

We'll take you along every stage of the climb—from the rainforest to the alpine desert and, hopefully, all the way to Uhuru Peak.

More importantly, we'll share the stories that inspired this journey in the first place.

Climbing Higher Together

We believe resilience grows when communities come together.

Whether you're donating, joining the 5,895 Challenge, sponsoring a meter, sharing our campaign, or simply encouraging someone who needs support, you're helping create a lasting impact.

Together, we can celebrate resilience, strengthen our community, and remind people that every mountain is easier to climb when we climb together.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Laurent & Lori