“We all have mountains to climb."
So says Barrie resident Debra Bobechko, who is taking on Mount Kilimanjaro to benefit Youth Haven.
The 50-year-old single mother of two has set her sights on the highest point on the African continent as both a personal challenge and as a fundraiser for the local agency that assists youth experiencing homelessness.
A self-described outdoor adventurer, Bobechko has never actually climbed a mountain before.
“I have been training for months, either doing test climbs, hiking, biking or paddling, so I'm setting myself up for success," she said. "I have had heart disease most of my adult life and have had my heart shocked 13 times, so this is a way to push past my own limitations."
Bobechko says she feels like mountain climbing is a metaphor for what youth experiencing homelessness go through on a daily basis.
"They are always facing challenges and have to push past their limitations, or those put on them by society, to get to their next level," she said. "The comparison just spoke to me: One step at a time.”
Youth Haven executive director Lucy Gowers says young people at the downtown facility face struggles at every turn.
“Our youth are put to the test everyday," Gowers said. "Where will they eat? Where will they sleep? Where will they live?"
Bobechko, who works in corporate leadership, leaves in August for the seven- to eight-day climb, which she admits will be the biggest challenge of her life.
“I think the mental challenge will be harder than the physical," she said. "The altitude could be an issue. I’m not afraid of the outdoors or the cold and it will be minus-20 Celsius near the summit, but if I don’t make it, it won’t be for lack of preparation or effort.”
Her children, aged 11 and 13, are both excited and nervous about their mom’s adventure.
Bobechko hopes a sponsor will purchase her a satellite positioning system unit, or SPOT, to allow two-way communication and allow the kids and the public to track her climb. Otherwise, her trip is self-funded.
Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, has an elevation of 19,340 feet. Bobechko is hoping for $1 per foot with all proceeds going to programs, outreach and services offered across Simcoe County.
The actual climb will begin Aug. 23.
For more information or to donate go to www.youthhaven.ca.
