Grandmother of three prepares to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

The grandmother of three and avid traveller thrives on challenges and found this one particularly appealing because of its goal.

“I’m in great shape and I like to be outdoors, so why not attempt something like this and raise money for a great cause at the same time,� explains the affable Géraldine. “How can someone not help a sick child get their wishes granted?� she adds.

Géraldine has travelled the world. Over the years, she’s been to Kenya, Costa Rica, Europe, Morocco, most of Europe, Australia and plans on spending two months in India next year.

“I don’t like to sit around and do nothing in my spare time,� she reveals. “I like the unexpected, meeting local people, being outside and dealing with the unforeseen.� Sounds like the Mount Kilimanjaro trek should fulfill all of her requirements.

Géraldine is currently spinning, swimming, speedwalking, jogging and cycling in preparation for her impending trip. Every Sunday, at 10 a.m. the group meets Francois Langlois at the Mount Royal steps, backpacks in tow, and proceeds to climb them, again and again, with the goal of improving their cardiovascular endurance. Last week, the group, comprised of climbers in their 30s to their mid 50s, climbed Mount Washington, in itself quite a feat, when the weather starts to take a turn for the worse.

Géraldine, who has lived on L’Ile-des-Soeurs for the past nine years, plans on staying 18 days in Tanzania and going on a safari in the Serengeti, after she’s finished climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Every single cent raised will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Quebec, which grants the wishes of children battling a life-threatening disease. “Even the smallest amount donated can make a real difference,� states Géraldine with conviction. Those interested in helping this amazing cause can log on to www.makeawish.ca and find out more about how they can sponsor Géraldine. You can also call her at 514-762-0644 or email her at lechevelee@videotron.ca. Income tax receipts will be issued to those making a donation.

“Just because someone is older doesn’t mean they can’t travel and live out their dreams,� concludes the Island resident. Even more so, when a personal dream is linked to helping sick children live out their respective dreams, it elevates one’s personal quest to a fine example of human generosity and caring. Géraldine will be doing the hard work; climbing that daunting 19,340 foot trek all the way to the top. All you have to do is pick up the phone and make a donation. It’s a small step, but it’s an integral one.