The New Year brings excitement to the offices of First Affiliated. Sabine Abt (Corporate Relations Manager /Administrator) will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, located on the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Sabine will join a group of Canadian women on the climb in January as part of a charity fundraising trek.
“The Roof of Africa” is best known as the highest mountain in Africa. However, it is also both the largest and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is the closest place on the entire earth to the Sun due to its close proximity to the Equator. Yet what truly separates Mt. Kilimanjaro from the highest peaks on each of the seven continents is its popularity with climbers. At 19,710 feet (5895m) the biggest challenge is AMS–Acute Mountain Sickness or commonly referred to as simply Altitude Sickness. Most people can reach the summit as it is a non-technical climb and is attainable if you are in good physical shape.
Sabine’s trek will take nine days, along the longest route (Lemosho Trail) to the Summit passing through six temperature zones. Highlights will include a challenging hike up the Barranco Wall – a giant 500 foot lava flow, and an overnight stay at Crater Camp (18,700 ft) facing the amazing Furtwangler Glacier.
The group is striving to raise funds for a community and women’s center at the Africa International University in Nairobi, Kenya (formerly known as NEGST). The center will be named for Leah Ngini, a Kenyan educator, former NEGST trustee, and an admired woman in Nairobi because of her leadership. The building which will cost about $2 million to complete will house services and meeting places for not only women and their families at Africa International University, but also women in surrounding communities.
Should you wish to learn about the center, please visit the following site:
Should you wish to donate, please visit Sabine’s giving page with Canada Helps…..
http://www.canadahelps.org/GivingPages/GivingPage.aspx?gpID=10097
A charitable tax receipt will be issued and sent to you immediately via email attachment.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a “once in a lifetime” experience for most people, and we wish Sabine the very best on this tremendous adventure! (December 2010)