Burlington couple to climb Kilimanjaro for CAMH fundraiser

Laurent and Lori Pinci of Pillars of Wellness will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2026 to raise money for CAMH and rally Burlington around resilience and mental health. The campaign combines the expedition with community challenges, meter sponsorships and daily updates from Tanzania.

Why it matters: - The climb is designed to turn a personal expedition into a community fundraiser for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. - The campaign frames movement, recovery and mental health support as shared community issues, not just individual struggles. - The fundraising goal is $5,895, equal to one dollar for each meter of Mount Kilimanjaro's elevation.

What happened: - Laurent Pinci, co-owner of Pillars of Wellness, and Lori Pinci, an occupational therapist and co-owner of the Burlington clinic, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2026. - The couple leaves Canada on Sept. 22. - They begin a seven-day ascent on Tanzania's Machame Route on Sept. 24. - The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, before descending on Sept. 30. - The expedition is the centerpiece of Pillars of Wellness presents: Climbing Higher Together.

The details: - Climbing Higher Together invites people of all ages and abilities to participate through movement, storytelling and giving. - Community members can sponsor a meter, join the 5,895 Challenge, follow daily mountain updates and share personal stories of resilience. - The campaign says a walk, a bike commute, rehabilitation exercises or any other daily movement can count toward participation. - Laurent Pinci said the effort was built around the resilience the clinic sees in people recovering from injuries, living with chronic pain, managing illness or navigating mental health challenges. - Lori Pinci said supporters should join the climb in whatever way is meaningful to them and that every step and every story matters. - During the expedition, Laurent and Lori will post photos, videos, daily reflections and updates from Mount Kilimanjaro through the campaign website. - Donations can be made on the campaign site at Climbing Higher Together. - Donations can also be made through the official CAMH fundraising page at CAMH fundraising page.

Between the lines: - The campaign uses the Kilimanjaro climb as a visible symbol for the less visible challenges many people face, including injury, chronic pain, neurological conditions, anxiety, depression, grief and caregiving. - The structure of the campaign lowers the barrier to entry by letting people participate without needing athletic ability or a formal donation. - The outreach strategy combines a physical feat, social storytelling and a fixed fundraising target to keep the effort easy to understand and easy to share.

What's next: - Laurent and Lori Pinci will continue posting expedition updates throughout the climb. - Community participation is expected to build through the 5,895 Challenge, meter sponsorships and direct donations to CAMH. - The campaign will culminate as the couple completes the ascent and descent in late September 2026.

The bottom line: - A Burlington health-care couple is tying a Kilimanjaro climb to a broader push for mental health support, community participation and resilience.