Couple take fundraising effort to new heights

Turning 50 this year was a big milestone for Diane King.

Now she’s already on to her next big adventure: She and her husband, Paul Couch, will be climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The Gatineau couple is leaving to scale the highest peak in Africa late next month to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa.

“We said, ‘If we’re going to put ourselves through this –why don’t we make it count?” said King, who works as a senior consultant for Intersol Group.

While neither King nor her husband have ever been involved in the children’s organization, they decided to raise at least $5,000 for it.

MOUNTAIN EXPEDITION

This won’t be their first mountainous expedition. They have trekked up Mt. Washington in New Hampshire and Gros Morne in Nfld. But neither of those are close to the dizzying heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro. At more than 19,000 feet, it will take them nine days, after their climb begins on March 2, to get to the highest peak and back down again.

Their goal, she said, is to make enough money so more kids can be matched up with adult role models.

It costs about $1,000 to fund the screening and training programs needed for just one match, said Sue Wilson, director of fund development and marketing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa. Currently, 135 kids — mostly boys — are on a waiting list to be paired with a mentor.

King and Couch will be hosting a fundraiser dinner, called “For the Love of Kids” on Feb. 9 at Greenfields Pub and Eatery in Barrhaven. To buy tickets, contact Couch at 613-738-1338, ext. 5017, or go to their website at www.dianeandpaul.com