IPC advisors tackle

(December 24, 2003) Last year, it was Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Now, a team of adventurous advisors from IPC Financial Network aims to hit new heights, by attempting to scale Argentina’s Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Americas.

Six IPC advisors will leave for Argentina for the charity climb on December 29. They’ll be raising money for a variety of 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.

The Kilimanjaro expedition raised $200,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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.

“When climbing Aconcagua you have to be able to trust your team, your equipment and your guides,” says team member and Toronto IPC advisor Gerald Holowachuk. “You also have to be able to trust yourself. This is where your true character comes out. It is the ultimate endurance sport.”

Vancouver IPC advisor Therese Soong decided to join the expedition because she says the idea of being able to help others makes the summit attempt even more rewarding. “This will no doubt be a challenging effort, but after meeting the kids at Strathcona Elementary School, I know that all the mental and physical preparation will be worthwhile.”

Neil White, an experienced B.C. rock climber and mountaineer, says taking on the Aconcagua challenge was “really a non-decision. This is the stuff I love to do. Being a fund-raising activity makes this just so much richer so I really never thought anything other than I am going. I feel that this is a great opportunity to bring exposure and raise funds for some great causes.”

Michael Boni of White Rock, B.C., says last year’s Kilimanjaro climb was such a rewarding experience, “that I thought I should try another mountain to see if I would experience the same sensation.

“We hope to raise funds for programs that are currently getting cut back from local government,” Boni adds. “How much more rewarding can this be?”

The IPC advisors, who are footing the bill for the trip, have hired Sebastian Tetilla, founder of Inka Expediciones to lead the expedition. Live audio Web casts of the climb will be available on the IPC Web site.

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