Brenda Kitching’s Story

On March 9^th, 2008, Brenda Kitching and husband Jim accomplished one of their goals when they reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for the Big Brothers Big Sisters Climb for Kids 2008. The goal was three years in the works, and an accomplishment that can only be described as ‘out of this world’. The climb included a visit to a Tanzania orphanage, a trek through the rain forest, and a six day climb to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Brenda now had the “climbers bug”, and on May 1st, 2010, set out on her second climb, to Mount Everest Base Camp. With Dreams and Goals… Brenda Kitching has safely returned from doing her climb to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal for Big Brothers Big Sisters Climb for Kids 2010. Not only did she push herself to climb over 18,000ft, she met new friends, visited mountain communities, was blessed by a Lama Geshe, and has left behind a very touching memorial for her brother.

Brenda was on the climb from May 1st to 24th and during this time had lots of opportunity to think. Brenda’s focus and main thought during her climb was on goal setting. Brenda is a strong believer to setting goals. From her first climb adventure to Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008, which took 2 years of determination and planning, to this trek to Mount Everest base camp, she says goals are not always easy to achieve but it can be done - with determination, planning and hard work. This is something she plans on sharing with not only children, but adults alike, family and friends.

There were many times during Brenda’s journey that she asked herself what she was doing, but she never lost determination. From the push to get over the first suspension bridge to the difficult climbing conditions at more than 17,000ft where the air was thin, and the footing was rocky, Brenda challenged on and reached her goal.

Brenda’s Climb for Kids Sake adventures are far from over. When she chose to make the climb for Big Brothers Big Sisters she was reaching for her dream. She now sees the importance of dreaming, and how important a dream can be to a child. There are many children in our community who dream of having a great friend, a mentor, and this is what Big Brothers Big Sisters sets out to do. Brenda enjoys sharing this story and the importance of dreaming and reaching for a goal.

If you believe in helping to reach a goal, then help us find a mentor for every child in our local communities who needs one. To date, Brenda’s Climb for Kids adventure has raised $1,767. You can still donate to Brenda’s climb by visiting http://bbbsstratford.kintera.org/climbforkids or by calling the Big Brother’s Big Sisters office at 519-271-7133. Do you know a local group that would be interested in hearing about Brenda’s journey, speaking engagements can also be arranged.

“Your support means Big Brothers Big Sisters can help children reach for their dreams. THANK-YOU!” ~Brenda