Waterloo firefighter to climb Kilimanjaro in fundraiser for well in Africa
Posted Apr 10, 2015 09:59:44 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Waterloo firefighter is getting ready to scale a giant mountain in May.
Joanne Marchildon and another local mother – Laura Bender of Baden, are hoping to raise $10,000 to build a well in East Africa.
Marchildon says she will start the climb of Mount Kilimanjaro on May 3rd.
That mountain is 19,341-feet. It’s called the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and is the highest one in Africa.
She tells 570 News she’s been a part of a group of local moms hoping to make a difference.
Mom 2 Mom Africa is a local not for profit that provides funds to build schools and help families.
Last year, the group built a school in Arusha, Tanzania. This year, it is hoped with this mountain climb, they can build a well for that school.
She’s says they’ve been training since November, hiking, changing the way they eat and preparing mentally as well.
A number of local fundraising events are planned:
-Tonight, an almost sold-out event to dine with Waterloo Firefighters and get a fire hall tour. Their TV chef
finalist firefighter will make a five course meal
-Saturday, Rock climbing event 11am to 3pm at Grand River Rock
-Saturday, April 25th, a silent auction planned for Wilmot Rec. Complex during a wellness fair
