On January 2, 2010, twelve unyielding and passionate community leaders and supporters of Power To Be will set out on the Machame route to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and fundraise for Power To Be. The Machame route, arguably the most scenic and striking route up Kilimanjaro, presents a stunning 7-day journey through what is said to be some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. While not technically challenging, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is no easy feat. The climate can be extreme with freezing temperatures (-10 degrees Celsius) towards the summit, and at about 60% less air pressure than at sea level, the intake of air per breath is only half as much.
Support our climbers’ invaluable efforts! Together we will continue to build brighter futures for more young people searching for a better life. All 12 climbers are covering their own costs for the entire climb, so all the funds raised go directly to Power To Be and its program expansion.
Meet the climbers:
Mike Schauch, Expedition Leader
Director, UBS Bank Canada
Through his leadership experience as Director with a leading global financial firm, and over 10 years of riveting adventure stories and lessons learned from his extreme international mountaineering expeditions, rock and ice climbs, Mike helps us understand ourselves, how we affect the world and people around us, and how we can lead positive change no matter the odds.
Whether it’s climbing frozen waterfalls, hiking with family, helping local charities, or simply enjoying the many journeys life has to offer, Mike applies a “seize-the-day” mentality to all he commits to. He believes that curiosity, personal growth and learning for life are part of that journey; as such he is an MBA graduate from the Queen’s School of Business, holds a Bachelor of Commerce with distinction, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Tim Cormode, Expedition Spokesperson
Founder & Executive Director, Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society
For 22 years, Tim’s vocational pursuits have been a contribution to the communities in which he has lived. He has volunteered in summer camps for kids living with disabilities, worked in group homes during his post secondary education years at The University of Western Ontario where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. In his spare time outside of Power To Be, Tim has volunteered as a coach with The BC Disabled Ski Team and spent numerous hours helping other non-profit organizations be better social entrepreneurs.
Tim had also taken a three-month outdoor leadership program in the Canadian Rockies which prompted him to redirect his career focus toward an outdoor environment, which he found healing for himself and felt would be healing for others. As founder and Executive Director of the Power To Be, he is a strategic thinker, a seasoned outdoorsman, a caring mentor, and the consummate networked.
Chantal Schauch, Expedition Operations & Communications
President & Consultant, ImmerseUs Communications
Chantal is a communications consultant and President of ImmerseUs Communications in Vancouver. Specializing in strategic communications, project management, and partner relations, she works with select entrepreneurs and organizations on ventures and initiatives for social and environmental change. Prior to her consulting work, Chantal held positions with CIBC World Markets, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Travelunderwriters, and the Thomas Group of Companies, including LifePilot. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Communications, a Bachelor of Commerce degree in International Business, and a Marketing Management Certificate in Public Relations.
Chantal is an active member of her community, always involved with various charitable boards and committees, and balances her fast-paced work and volunteer life with a rigorous workout schedule that includes strength training, running, hiking, yoga, and Pilates. Organizing a charitable Mt. Kilimanjaro climb for the kids at Power To Be has been a key goal for Chantal and she’s thrilled to see it come to fruition!
Sam Dulay
Co-Founder & Financial Recruiter, Dulay Burke
As the co-founder of Vancouver’s premier Financial Recruitment company, Dulay Burke, Sam knows what sacrifices are required to succeed. A new immigrant to Canada only 11 years ago, Sam knows that to follow one’s dreams can lead to amazing opportunities, adventures and above all else lifelong friendships.
An avid fitness fanatic, (soccer, squash, triathlons, marathons) among his passions, he is also just as happy enjoying a cold beer with friends and family. (Actually prefers this, it’s less strenuous). He loves to travel and has had opportunities to climb Kilimanjaro in the past but circumstances have not allowed that to happen. Not known as a climber, the highest he has climbed is ‘The Grouse Grind’, so this will be a dream come true, to partake in something so worthwhile with such an amazing group. My brother becomes very angry when I don’t reach my goals, so please don’t make him lose his head and help me reach my sponsorship target!!
Donna Carrigan, Expedition Summit Team Coach
Founder & President, Yamego Coaching & Consulting
Yay me, Go us! Yay!
Donna is a fun raiser, executive coach, award winning adventurer & entrepreneur who's experience spans five of seven continents: Europe, Asia, North America, Australia & Africa. She serves as a global strategist for international organizations and coaches both executive athletes and c-level entrepreneurs. Her experience with values-driven adventures includes the Gobi March, a race in the series that Time Magazine lists as second on its top ten list of endurance competitions; contending for inclusion on an international race to the South Pole in Antarctica, and sailing Canada's West Coast Gulf Islands.
Frank Grant
Wilderness Therapeutic Practitioner and Trainer
Frank started climbing back in the 1950's and moved into serious rock climbing and mountaineering in 1974. After a military career, where he sampled a wide variety of adventures, he settled into civilian life as an Outdoor Activity Instructor. Soon thereafter, he decided to specialize in working with sexually abused young people - those who were sexually reactive and sexually aggressive towards other young people- utilizing nature and the Natural Environment as tools to affect positive behaviour change and to give young people a doorway for a new and meaningful life.
Frank`s lifelong interest of working in the outdoors, has lead him to his current career as freelance Wilderness Therapeutic Practitioner and Trainer in the UK. He has delivered workshops in over forty different countries and many of his adventures have taken him to the Rockies, the Alps, the Himalayas, and New Zealand. Frank has written books and many articles as his way of sharing his skills, knowledge and experience with others. His autobiography, acclaimed as one of the most exciting adventure life stories to be told in many years, is free to those who request copies.
John Glazema
President & Founder, Corpus Capital Group of Companies
A father of three, John is the president and founder of the Corpus Capital Group of Companies, which is engaged primarily in the fields of agriculture, aggregates, and related operations, as well as in the charitable sector. With one of his charities (the Abilitas Foundation), John and his wife, Wendy, are currently building a fully accessible and free respite lodge at the Cold Water Ranch (Merritt, BC) for kids or adults with disabilities and their families.
John is an avid outdoorsman, annually embarking on treks in the Rockies, and is always up for an outdoor challenge. The Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, which satisfies both John's heart for community and his passion for adventure, is a great opportunity to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.
Darren Postma
Owner and Operator of Polar Electric Inc.
Married for 21 years to his beautiful and supportive wife Sheri, with two daughters, Leah (18) and Amy (16), Darren is the owner and operator of Polar Electric Inc., which he established in 1987. He is extensively involved in his Church and other charitable community projects.
This will be the first of many climbs for Darren and his efforts to help those who need it most. Every step taken on Mt. Kilimanjaro is a step closer to raising awareness and capital for the disadvantaged youths, adults, and their families of the Lower Mainland. This climb is the answer to many prayers in British Columbia.
Shean Beardsley
Demolition Expert, Founder Ironhorse Demolition
Having grown up living on the streets of Edmonton, Shean spent the early years of his life working and traveling. After a short stint in the army, he worked in the protective service industry as a bodygaurd.14 years ago, Shean moved to Victoria and got involved in the demolition industry and has worked as a demolition contractor since then.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has been a lifelong dream for Shean. Seven years ago, he was told that he had terminal lung cancer. Through the help and support of all the people in his life today, he is cancer free. He sees everyday as a great gift to be cherished.
The number one item on his bucket list is to live a life that is an example to others and shows what is possible if you never give up and just keep trying. For Shean, supporting Power To Be is a chance to support an organization that helps people find their own greatness. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this cause.
Jennifer Moschenross
Executive Assistant, Red Back Mining Inc
An avid traveler and adventure-seeker in her spare time, Jennifer is excited about the challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for Power To Be. Jennifer has a busy schedule supporting her son’s various academic and athletic pursuits so the opportunities for adventure are scarce but when they arise she takes them on with a defiant will to succeed.
As a parent of a teenager, she has new appreciation of the challenges this age group faces. In particular, the Power to Be Wilderness School for youths at risk really resonates, and she is thrilled to be able to support such an essential program. Parents and youths need to have support and this age group is often left without many resources.
Jennifer takes pride in her volunteer work with various community programs and tries to instill the same community spirit in her son. This challenge, perhaps one of the most demanding that she has undertaken, is a fantastic opportunity to bring a lot of good to some really deserving families and she is proud to be part of such a dynamic and driven team.
David Boehm
Chairman, Wolmar Investments Ltd
David has really found his stride over the last couple of years and has completed the New York marathon and 3 half marathons. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a different kind of challenge and one he takes on with the same commitment and focus as he does with his running. He faces every challenge with determination and drive and is happy to be applying that commitment to helping kids.
David is a very busy dad with teenagers of his own. He can appreciate the challenges that some families face during these frustrating yet rewarding years. To give kids a place for long term adventure and continued support is something every family should have access to. He is thrilled to be part of this group to make sure that Power to Be continues to offer such programs.
Sarah Cormode
Aboriginal Transitions Research Coordinator, University of Victoria
Sarah is an advocate for outdoor experiential education and has worked in this field over the past 20 years, as a whitewater rafting guide, sea kayaking guide, adaptive recreation guide and educator. She is a Board member at Power to Be and worked for several years as the program coordinator. She is very excited to join her brother Tim and this team to climb into the new year, raising awareness and funds for this incredible organization that continues to enhance the lives of its participants.
Sarah recently completed her Masters in Environmental and First Nations Education at the University of Victoria and feels very fortunate to work with inspirational leaders in Aboriginal education and community-based research around the province of BC. She dedicates this climb to all of you who contribute to building caring communities around the world.
