IPC advisors conquer Aconcagua

(January 14, 2004) A team of advisors from IPC Financial Network has reached the summit of Argentina’s Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas. Four advisors — accompanied by two guides — reached the peak earlier this week in what was described as a “tough slog” and a “back-breaking” climb.

“It was very taxing, much more difficult than anyone expected,” said Neil White, an experienced B.C. rock climber and mountaineer, in a conference call posted on IPC’s Web site.

So difficult, in fact, that two members of the team opted out of the summit attempt. Halifax’s Cheryl Vardon, who organized the trip, says she got to 16,000 feet and couldn’t go any further. Toronto IPC advisor Gerald Holowachuk also decided not to make the final climb, although he did attempt to scale another mountain in the same region.

Team members say they’re very pleased with their efforts during the week-long expedition. “It was a great feeling to get to the top of the mountain,” said Michael Boni of White Rock, B.C.

“This has been an amazing adventure,” added Vancouver’s Therese Soong. “We’re all just spent. We gave it everything we had.”

Aconcagua, known as the “Sentinel of Stone,” stands at 7,000 metres or 22,850 feet. It’s the highest peak of the South Occidental Hemisphere and the tallest in the American continent.

The climbers were raising funds for a variety of charity groups, including Semiahmoo House Society, Climbing for Causes for Children, the Strathcona Children’s Opportunities Fund, the Northwood Foundation and the Children’s Arthritis Foundation.

Last year, another team of IPC advisors climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, raising $200,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The IPC team is expected back in Canada by the weekend.

Filed by Doug Watt, Advisor.ca, doug.watt@advisor.rogers.com