The Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb The Delta Community Living Society wishes to thank all membership, community participants and staff for their generous donations towards the Climb for Community Living and the tremendous support given to our climbers towards this “once in a lifetime” experience.

The Climb for Community Living was an exciting public awareness and fundraising initiative. Why did we do it?

We raised public awareness of challenges facing people who have developmental disabilities and their families. We have sent a message worldwide that anything is possible in a community where everyone belongs.

About the climb:

On February 7, 2006, a group of 16 self-advocates and 29 supporters from British Columbia, left Vancouver International Airport to embark on a journey of a lifetime to Tanzania and the home of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

In the following 9 days, the team climbed through five different types of terrains and climate zones-forest, heath and moorland, highland desert, and the icy glaciers that circle the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The following is a quote from Wally Berg, Berg Adventures International, February 17, 2006:

“There were 43 of us who started 9 days ago and the entire team is walking off the mountain together today. 40 of us stood on Stella Point on the top of Kilimanjaro, 36 of us spent the night sleeping at 18,700 feet (5700m), nearly as high as any point in Canada, almost to the top of Kilimanjaro and literally in the crater at the top, highter than anyone else in Africa, higher than almost anyone else anywhere in the world. 30 of us did stand over two different days on Uhuru, Freedom Peak. Those who reached the summit could not stay long as it does get cold, but before they left, everyone together sang “Mungu Ibariki Tanzania” which means “God Bless Tanzania”. The tears flowed as the group stood arm in arm and sang out the Swahili words with the Tanzanian television station taping them. An amazing accomplishment. I can tell you as we walk off the mountain, groups from around the world are coming up to this group, we’re well known believe me and we’re getting congratulations and words of praise and admiration from people all over the world. Here on Kilimanjaro, this accomplishment of the BCACL team feels good today but I know it’s going to last for a long, long time when people around the world begin to talk about what they saw these 9 days on this mountain and what this great group accomplished together.”

The climbers:

Ted O'Brien

Ted moved to Delta Community Living Society's residential program in 1978 from his parents home. He wanted to live on his own and DCLS prepared him for living independently in the community. Ted moved to his first apartment in 1984. He continues to live by himself with weekly support from DCLS. Ted has worked for St. David’s Anglican Church since 1990 as their part-time custodian. Ted wants to prove to himself that he can climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. He believes this "huge adventure" is possible by working hard and having a goal.

Rachel Perigny

Rachel is the Program Coordinator for the new Surrey Connections Day Program offered by Delta Community Living Society. Rachel is very involved in theatre both as an actor and director. Rachel believes that the Climb for Community Living will prove any goal is achievable with the right motivation and support. She has dedicated her career to furthering and bettering the community by promoting tolerance, inter-dependence and the importance of valuing all citizens for their gifts and strengths. Rachel is Ted O’Brien’s support climber.

Mark Fugman

Mark has been part of the ICN program of Delta Community Living Society since 1992. Mark works in the DCLS Day Program cutting lawns, weed eating, and working on the bolts and label packages. Mark is looking forward to seeing the animals in Africa and to prove to himself that he can do the climb. Mark's grandparents travelled to all seven continents and he wants to share the experience of his trip with friends and family.

Darcy Phillips

Darcy Phillips is 39 years old and, along with her husband, has been involved with the Delta Community Living Society for the past 13 years as a caregiver for Mark Fugman. This opportunity to support Mark in reaching his goal of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has also fulfilled her dream of seeing Africa. Darcy believes that the hard work required to train for such an endeavour has brought many positive changes into both their lives, including improving their fitness, health and building on an already strong personal relationship.

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