Make a Donation
An outstanding climber
After a long period of soul searching in 1997, I asked myself: at what time was I the happiest in my adult life? Flipping through my photo albums, I discovered that the instances when I felt the most free, the most fulfilled and the happiest coincided with my climbing expeditions. As a very physical man who strives to push his own limits and needs an adrenalin rush, I had found my path! Further reflection led me to develop a vision that combined climbing, corporate sponsorship and fund-raising as a means of supporting a charitable organization. I added a philanthropic angle to a somewhat individualistic activity.
So I began to train and did some research, and over the past ten years, I led expeditions towards the world’s highest peaks. In 1995 and 2002, I climbed to the summit of Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua (6,962 meters); in 2000, I conquered Mount McKinley in Alaska (6,194 meters); in April 2002, I reached the 5,928-meter peak of Africa’s Kilimandjaro, and on May 16, 2007, I fought my way up to the 8,850-meter summit of Mount Everest. Thanks to these projects, I managed to raise over $65,000 for organizations like Children’s Wish, the Vancouver Children’s Hospital and the Pearson Education Foundation.
I initiated these projects, because climbing is a part of me, but also because I sincerely believe that my expeditions inspire in children the ability to overcome their own mountains, be their physical, psychological or educational. My goal is to foster courage, perseverance and a sense of imagination in the hearts of our young people. Granted, these expeditions give me an opportunity to satisfy a self-actualization need, but in the process of fulfilling my dreams, I manage to give people in need a chance to benefit. I humbly believe that I am meant to improve the community in which we live; an altruistic attitude is therefore essential.
Everest 2009.ca
The Everest 2009 project will generate thousands of donation dollars for the Quebec Lung Association. To this end, my long-time friend André Rossin-Arthiat will climb Mount Everest with me.
The project will give us an opportunity to produce a documentary and publish two books. André’s book will focus on the medical aspect of the climb, while mine will provide a more philosophical and spiritual reflection about life.
In addition to the numerous other interesting aspects of our expedition, we will be equipped with a satellite communication device that will allow us to stay in contact with Quebec throughout our climb. I also urge you to support us psychologically, by writing to us, and financially, by giving generously to the Quebec Lung Association.
Manuel A. Pizarro
Team expedition leader Everest 2009
Manuel A. Pizarro at the top of Mount Everest, May 16, 2007.
Manuel A. Pizarro skydiving
(fr) http://www2.canoe.com/sports/nouvelles/archives/2007/05/20070522-130100.html
(fr) http://www.espaces.qc.ca/espaces/html/actualites/sept2007/actualites152.shtml
(en) http://www.everestnews.com/everest2007/limitseverest04012007.htm
(fr) http://www.radio-canada.ca/sports/PlusSports/2007/09/22/004-everest-samedi.shtml
(en) http://www.westislandchronicle.com/article-106457-John-Rennie-staffer-reaches-Everest-summit.html
