Ottawa Team to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

No, I'm not going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. However, Jim Davis will be in order to raise money to fund cancer research. Jim was my bosses boss at Nortel over a decade ago. He was also my bosses boss at Mitel and a big reason I decided to join Mitel.

Here are the details from an email I received from Jim today:

In January 2009, I will joining a team of 30 doctors, professionals and business leaders from the Ottawa area who will embark on the journey of a lifetime, the ascension of Mount Kilimanjaro, the summit of Africa. The ascent/descent will last 13 days (approximately 9 to 15 km of climbing each day). The climb will take the expedition through every climate zone on earth, with temperatures ranging from +40 C in the African Savannah to -45 C at the Summit of Kilimanjaro.

Each of the participants will look after their own costs of ascending Kilimanjaro and have also committed personally raise substantial donations for the “Reaching the Summit for Montfort” challenge. The expedition goal is to raise $500,000 to be invested in Cancer Care Programs with a particular focus on the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. We all cannot help but to be touched by cancer in some way - personally, within our families or within circle of friends. Recent data shows that 39% of Canadian women and 44% of men will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime and despite all the advances in cancer treatment 1 in 4 will die from this disease. Cancer is a top healthcare priority for our society.

Personally I am excited to involved in such an unique challenge in support of such a worthwhile cause. From our experience working with Gerry Savoie (CEO of Montfort) and his team at hospital, I have been impressed with the Montfort’s willingness to take reasonable risks to achieve breakthrough outcomes. I have no doubt that the “Reaching the Summit” challenge will be similarly successful for all those involved – the precipitants, the donors, the patients and ultimately the broader community that will be touched by cancer.

I asking for your support in form of a donation to Montfort foundation (see details below). All donations over $20 are eligible for a Canadian tax receipt. 100% of the donations will be directed toward Cancer Care Programs at the Montfort Hospital working in collaboration with Cancer Treatment Center of the Ottawa Hospital.

Thank you for your support,

Jim

To donate to Jim, go to the Mountfort Foundation. Pick Sponsor Individual or Team. Pick Jim Davies. Pick Make a donation besides Jim's picture and fill out the donation form.

This is a great cause and it certainly will be an amazing accomplishment.

Good luck Jim!