Mike and Sarah Leathong of Burlington, Ontario, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds and awareness for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [1].
The expedition aims to inspire community resilience and support for those struggling with mental illness, highlighting the daily challenges faced by patients at the facility [1].
The couple works with CAMH clients daily and views the ascent as a way to demonstrate their commitment to those in recovery [1]. Mike Leathong said, "We want to show our clients at CAMH that we stand with them every step of the way, literally and figuratively" [1].
The climb is scheduled for September 2026 [2], though some reports suggest the expedition may take place in October 2026 [3]. The couple is targeting the summit of the mountain, which stands at 5,895 meters [3].
To encourage public participation, the couple launched the "5,895 Challenge." This initiative allows donors to sponsor individual meters of the ascent to fund mental health services [3]. Sarah Leathong said, "The 5,895 Challenge lets anyone sponsor a meter of the climb and help fund vital mental‑health services" [3].
The physical nature of the trek is intended to mirror the psychological journey of recovery. A CTV reporter said that climbing Kilimanjaro is a powerful metaphor for the uphill battle many face with mental illness [1].
By leveraging a high-profile physical feat, the Leathongs hope to draw attention to the systemic needs of mental health care in Canada. The funds raised will go directly toward supporting the operations, and client services, of CAMH [1].
“"We want to show our clients at CAMH that we stand with them every step of the way."”
This initiative reflects a growing trend of using 'extreme challenge' fundraising to destigmatize mental health issues. By linking the physical hardship of a 5,895-meter climb to the struggle of mental illness, the organizers are attempting to make invisible psychological battles tangible to the general public to increase donor engagement.
