Climbing Higher Together
One mountain. One community. Thousands of steps toward better health.
Every Day, We See People Climbing Mountains of Their Own
Every day at Pillars of Wellness, we meet people overcoming challenges that can feel like mountains of their own. Recovering from an injury, living with chronic pain, rebuilding after illness, or navigating mental health challenges all require resilience, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward—often one step at a time.
As we’ve prepared for our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro this September, we’ve been reminded that the mountain isn’t the real story. The real story is the strength, hope, and perseverance we witness in our community every day.
That’s why we’re turning this expedition into Climbing Higher Together—a community movement that brings people together through movement, storytelling, and giving.
Through this campaign, we’re proud to support CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading centers for mental health research, education, and patient care. Whether you Sponsor a Meter, join the 5,895 Challenge, or simply follow the journey, every step helps raise awareness, support life-changing mental health care, and remind people that no one has to climb life’s mountains alone.
What is Climbing Higher Together?
A community movement inspired by resilience
A fundraiser supporting mental health in Canada.
A chance to sponsor a symbolic meter of Kilimanjaro
A movement challenge open to everyone
A journey you can follow from Burlington to the summit
Follow Our Journey to the Roof of Africa
OUR ROUTE TO THE SUMMIT
On September 22, we’ll begin our journey up Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route—a seven-day trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally to the summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters).
Every day presents new physical and mental challenges. We’ll be sharing photos, reflections, and updates from the mountain, connecting each stage of the climb to the resilience we see in people overcoming challenges every day.
Whether you’re following from Burlington or participating in the 5,895 Challenge, we invite you to climb with us every step of the way.
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Machame Camp
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Shira Camp
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Barranco Camp
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Karanga Camp
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Barafu Camp
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Uhuru Peak
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Mweka Camp
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Mweka Gate
Climb With Us — No Mountain Required
You don’t need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to be part of Climbing Higher Together.
Every journey begins with a single step. Whether you’re walking your dog, hiking your favourite trail, cycling to work, completing your rehabilitation exercises, or simply choosing to move a little more each day, every movement is an opportunity to support better mental health in our community.
To bring everyone together, we’re launching the 5,895 Challenge—inspired by Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5,895-metre summit. The challenge is open to individuals, families, schools, sports teams, workplaces, and local businesses. Set your own goal, track your progress, share your journey, and encourage others to climb higher with you.
There are no winners or losers. Every participant helps raise awareness, inspires someone else to keep going, and reminds our community that no one has to climb life’s mountains alone.
MOVE. PARTICIPATE. INSPIRE.
Join the 5,895 Challenge
Every step, every kilometer, and every workout helps support mental health in Halton and beyond.
Take on the challenge your own way. Whether you walk around your neighborhood, hike your favourite trail, cycle with friends, or complete your regular workout, every movement counts. Track your progress, share your journey, and inspire others to climb higher together.
- 5🚶 Walk your neighborhood - Take a daily walk and dedicate your steps to someone facing their own mountain.
- 5🥾 Explore a local trail - Choose your favourite hiking trail and build endurance while supporting a meaningful cause.
- 5🚴Ride for resilience - Cycle your favourite route or commute by bike and help raise awareness for mental health.
- 5🏃 Run your own challenge - Complete a 5 km, 10 km, or your own personal distance—every kilometer counts.
- 5🏋️ Train your way - Whether it's the gym, yoga, swimming, or fitness classes, keep moving and inspire others to do the same.
- 5🩺 Continue your rehabilitation - Recovering from an injury? Every exercise completed is another step forward.
- 5♿ Move at your own pace - Every movement matters. Participate in the way that works best for your body and your abilities.
Share your progress, tag @PillarsOfWellness, and use #ClimbingHigherTogether to inspire others to join the journey.
Every Step Creates a Lasting Impact
Every Donation Helps
Every contribution—large or small—helps move the campaign closer to its fundraising goal inspired by Kilimanjaro’s 5,895-metre elevation.
Community Impact
Supporting local mental health services strengthens individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and the wider Halton community.
Raising Awareness
The campaign is about more than fundraising. Every conversation, shared story, and act of participation helps reduce stigma around mental health.
Climbing Together
When one person struggles, the community climbs with them. That’s the heart of Climbing Higher Together.
MAKE YOUR IMPACT
Sponsor a Meter. Support Mental Health in Halton and Beyond
Every dollar donated represents one meter of Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5,895-metre climb.
Whether you sponsor 10 meters, 100 meters, or the entire summit, every contribution helps support CAMH’s work and reminds someone in our community that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
Together, we’re proving that when a community climbs together, every step creates hope.
$25
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Help provide hope and support for someone in the community. Every little step count.
Sponsor 25 Meters
$50
CLIMB HIGHER
A meaningful contribution that helps expand access to mental health resources across Halton and beyond.
Sponsor 50 Meters
$100
INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY
Become a campaign champion and encourage others to climb alongside you.
Sponsor 100 Meters
Custom Donation
EVERY METERS COUNT
Choose any amount. Every donation helps move the campaign—and our community—forward.
Sponsor Your Own Distance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Climbing Higher Together?
Climbing Higher Together is a community fundraising campaign presented by Pillars of Wellness. Inspired by Laurent and Lori’s climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, the campaign celebrates resilience while raising funds and awareness for mental health in Canada. Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of age or ability.
Do I need to climb a mountain to participate?
Not at all. The 5,895 Challenge is designed for everyone. Walk your dog, hike a local trail, cycle, run, swim, attend a fitness class, or complete your rehabilitation exercises. Every step and every movement counts.
What is the 5,895 Challenge?
The challenge is inspired by Mount Kilimanjaro’s height of 5,895 meters. Set a personal movement goal that works for you and complete it during the campaign. Participate individually or with your family, workplace, school, sports team, or community group.
Where do the donations go?
All donations support CAMH, helping fund local mental health programs, education, and community support services for people across Halton and beyond.
What does "Sponsor a Meter" mean?
Every dollar donated represents one metre of Mount Kilimanjaro’s 5,895-metre climb. Whether you sponsor 10 metrers or the entire summit, every contribution helps move the campaign closer to its fundraising goal while supporting mental health in our community.
Can businesses, schools, and community groups get involved?
Absolutely. We encourage workplaces, schools, sports teams, clubs, and community organizations to create their own 5,895 Challenge, support the campaign together, or sponsor part of the climb. It’s a great way to promote teamwork, wellbeing, and community involvement.
How can I follow the Kilimanjaro expedition?
We’ll be sharing regular updates before, during, and after the climb through our website and social media, including photos, videos, and reflections from the mountain.
Why did Laurent and Lori choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
As healthcare professionals, we meet people every day who are overcoming injuries, chronic pain, mobility limitations, neurological conditions, mental health challenges, and other obstacles. Climbing Kilimanjaro became a way to honor that resilience and inspire our community to climb life’s mountains together.
Can I participate if I have mobility limitations or a health condition?
Yes. This campaign is about participation, not performance. Choose an activity that matches your abilities and goals. Whether it’s a short walk, rehabilitation exercises, adaptive movement, or another form of activity, every step is meaningful.
How can I donate or join the challenge?
Simply click the Sponsor a Meter button to make a donation or join the 5,895 Challenge by setting your own movement goal. Every participant and every donation helps strengthen mental health support in Halton while celebrating the resilience of our community.
