Climbing Kilimanjaro For Bermuda’s Seniors

February 20, 2019

Jonathan Brewin, Director of Age Concern Bermuda and Chairman of the organizations Audit & Risk Committee will be taking some risks of his own on February 22 – March 2 when he and his son Somers climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Donations for the climb are being raised to support Age Concern, Bermuda’s primary non-profit advocacy group for senior citizens.

“Kilimanjaro, ‘the Roof of Africa’, stands at 19,340ft/5,895m and is the highest point on the African continent and one of the highest freestanding mountains in the world,” their GoFundMe page notes.

According to Mr. Brewin, who has been following those who have climbed the infamous mountain, “The challenge will be one of the hardest physical and mental challenges I shall experience in my lifetime. I really want Age Concern to benefit because the success of how we deal with the ageing of our population is also one of the greatest challenges of our time.”

The climb that Mr. Brewin will undertake is no small feat, it takes roughly five to nine days to complete. Several months of preparation for the hike are needed. The month of March can be the coldest time to climb the mountain and those who choose to climb during this month should prepare to encounter snow at the summit.

Despite the risks however, the Brewin father/son duo are committed to use their climb to bring awareness to the opportunity that exists to proactively respond to the ageing realities of our time.

Jonathan and Somers Bermuda Feb 19 2019

Dr Claudette Fleming, Executive Director of Age Concern explained, “When Jonathan shared that he and Somers were climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and that proceeds would aid Age Concern, I was very surprised. He is an active Board member and already does so much for the organization; he could easily have chosen one of the many other good causes that exist on the island.

“However, in light of the serious impact that our changing demographics are having on the systems and families in our community, he and fellow Board members are passionate about our advocacy message. We must tackle the ageing of our society head on and this climb is example of the tenacity that is needed to do it.”

Mr. Brewin has a minimum target of 5000 UK pounds which is the equivalent of just under 6500 Bermuda dollars. These funds will be used to support another set of sojourners, our country’s caregivers.

Age Concern hosts an annual, day-long Caregiving Summit equipping caregivers with resources and information to support their older loved ones at home, noting that “caregivers are vitally important part of addressing the ageing of our population, as they provide compassionate, cost effective care that reduces the tax payer burden of care. ”

“We are looking forward to the public’s support as the work of Age Concern will need the support of the community. We wish Jonathan and Somers the best outcome, and encourage the public to make a contribution to this great effort.” concluded Linda Smith, Chairperson of Age Concern Bermuda.

Donations can be made to their GoFundMe page.

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Comments (7)

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  1. Onion Juice says:

    The Birth Place of Civilization, very nice.

    • Toodle-oo says:

      Actually , historical anthropologists refer to the birthplace of mankind (which you probably meant to say) and the birthplace of civilization as 2 completely different places.

      • Onion Juice says:

        How can it be 2 completely different places, mankind and civilization go hand in hand.
        And further more some anthropologists have falsly/porposly interpretated African History with their racist biased ideology, which is now being corrected.
        PS
        Jewish slaves or any other slaves did not build the pyramids, or aliens and before Egypt was a Wonder of the world, there were Sudan, Nubia (Kush) whose Pharaoh’s were BLACK before Egypt was Arab portrayed.
        #nomorelies

        • Toodle-oo says:

          You’re the perfect example that ‘Mankind’ and ‘Civilization’ are not mutually linked .

    • question says:

      Is he going to Greece then?

  2. Dawn Keebals says:

    Thank very much and please be carefull…

  3. Steve Thomson says:

    Well done Jonathan and Somers.
    A huge feat for sure and a wonderful charity to support.
    Good luck and our thoughts are with you.