On March 4th, I will undertake a project that has been on my bucket list for a long time: the ascent of Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. This emblematic mountain of a continent that has always fascinated me seems to be the ideal place to push my limits and get out of my comfort zone.

I will take advantage of this great personal challenge to raise funds for the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Foundation, an organization that is dear to me. Coming from an underprivileged background, like the high proportion of people that HMR serves, I know better than anyone the importance of equitable access to quality health care. It is ingrained in me to want to go above and beyond for the cause. 

More specifically, my fundraising efforts will help equip the Tremplin clinic with a sports circuit for young people suffering from obesity who are followed at the HMR. Exercise improves physical and mental health, and builds self-confidence. Your generosity towards my fundraiser will demonstrate to the young people in the East end of Montreal who benefit from the care and services of the Tremplin clinic at the HMR that you care about improving their lifestyle and, above all, that you believe in them.

There is also an environmental dimension to this great project. In 2022, UNESCO has highlighted the accelerated melting of glaciers in World Heritage sites, including Kilimanjaro National Park. There is an urgent need for concern and action: glaciers feed many ecosystems and are pillars of biodiversity. Of course, I intend to share my personal experience with my clients, so that they understand the importance of sustainable finance, for us as well as for future generations.

Finally, by seeking to climb this summit, I hope to demonstrate to my sons the importance of being courageous and bold. I hope that they grow up with a thirst to surpass themselves and not listen to the little voice that tries to dissuade them from seemingly extravagant projects. In this high level trekking, there will be the communion of a group coming from various horizons, towards a common objective: reaching the summit. A concrete demonstration of the importance of being open-minded, tolerant and curious towards different cultures and their ideas.

Will I reach the summit, which is almost 5,900 meters high? I will put all my heart into it, but whatever the outcome, I will have the certainty of living without being afraid to dream.