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Jim McKane. 62. and Chris Hadjiyianni, 54, both financial planners, will join close to 30 other members of the ISP Financial Network in the 19,340â€"foot climb, in an effort to raise $200,000 for the Makeâ€"Aâ€"Wish Founâ€" dation of Canada. The funds collected will support the organization‘s mission to grant the wishes of children with lifeâ€"threatâ€" ening illnesses. McKane said it took him about half a day to decide he was up to the task. "I was a little concerned at first that I wasn‘t going to make it," he said. Yet, two Waterloo men will face that very challenge early next year when they attempt to plant their flag at the top of Tanzania‘s Mt. Kilimanjaro during a nineâ€" day expedition. Jim McKane (left) and Chris Hadjiyianni prepare for their upcoming trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro by climbing the hill behind their office on Marsland Drive in Waterloo. here must be easier I ways to raise money than climbing the world‘s tallest freeâ€"standing mountain. Two Waterloo men go over the top to raise funds for Makeâ€"Aâ€"Wish Foundation _ 1369 King Street, St. Jacobs 664â€"3149 tupper level) Kfllexandria"s By Anorea Bainey Chronicle Staff HUSH PUPPIES® al Having gained some climbing experience scaling smaller mountains in Cyprus, he knows what to expect. But he said this climb will be his toughest test of endurance to date. But once he started trainâ€" ing, he came to the concluâ€" sion that anything is possiâ€" ble. "Now, there‘s no doubt in my mind I‘m going to do this," said the feisty senior. "It‘s going to take a hell of a lot to stop me." Hadjiyianni described the upcoming adventure as a personal challenge. aNDREA BAiLEY PHOTO Covering so much ground in various climates can pose a risk of altitude sickness, which can bring McKane said the weather conditions the group will experience will run the gamut, possibly ranging from temperatures as low as â€"20 degrees Celsius and as high as 45 degrees Celsius. Since signing on for the adventure last summer, both men have been trainâ€" ing rigorously, running on local streets and home treadmills to climbing hills and staircases. But both men admitted, there will be a more than a few things going against them. The group plans to travel an average of about eight miles a day, climbing about 3,000 feet and descending about 500 feet. "I made up my mind, and checked with the boss," he said with a laugh, in refâ€" erence to his wife. "I know if I make it, I will feel such a sense of satisfacâ€" tion. But if 1 don‘t make it, 1 know I‘ll have given 100 per cent of my effort to try to make it." "And seeing the smiles on their faces makes it even better." McKane said he still encounters a surprise reacâ€" tion when he tells others of Both climbers take comâ€" fort in knowing they will have a professional guide with them, who boasts a 92â€" perâ€"cent success rate in preâ€" vious climbs up the mounâ€" tain. "It‘s a personal challenge for me," Hadjiyianni said. "But 1 really like that it will help the kids, and give them what could be their last wishes. "You really have to be careful," he said. "At the peak of the mountain, you‘re only running on one lung. "The effects it can have on your heart and lungs can kill you, if you don‘t go about things the right way." But they agreed, the cause is worth the risk. on severe headaches, nau sea, vomiting and diarrhea. McKane said, that‘s why it‘s so important the group take its time. Continued on page 6 Celebration of Promise "Hope for the Soul" Dec. 14 â€" 6:30 p.m B i ho fdsd CKCO EDCOM Multimedia Driveâ€"In Movie Night Dec. 20 & 21 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m Location: Father David Baver Drive, Bauer Parking Lot Bort Muna Ks by MacGregor Senior Public Dec. 13. 14. 20. 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 p.m Horse Drawn Trolley Rides Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21. 24, 27, 28 & Jan. 3, 4 WATERLOO CHRONICLE Thank You to our Sponsors Phone: 725â€"1086 Website: www.wondersofwinter.ca Open daily: 5:30 p.m. â€" 10:30 p.m December 7, 2002 to January 5, 2003 A Festival of Lights "The School House Play" WATERLOO PARK, WATERLOO \em in encny Tames: reghe, PDF and beance netim 0.A (.. ferme nutvect tochange FROM NOW ON, YOU‘LL NEED A DOCTOR‘S NOTE TO MISS WORK. INTRODUCING THE ALLâ€"WHEEL DRIVE Câ€"CLASS. Mercedes Benz: You‘re ready tion imaginable. So come in for a test drive, no excuses tem When you own a Victoria Star Motors Mercedes Benz Kitchener 1450 Victoria Street North (519) 579 4460Toranta (416) 777 14% www VictoriaStar.com improved handling in aimost every weather cond Electrom:c Stabibty Program IESP}, you h ots 4 wheel Slectronic Traction Sys reate a probiem Or, for that matter, a Mn niles Ben h Iflow lass with ail whee! dnve o