During a recent vacation to Disneyworld, Florida, Jim saw families from around the world who all shared one thing in common. Each family had a child battling a serious or terminal illness. With help from the Make-a-Wish Foundation, those children fulfilled their dreams of meeting Mickey Mouse, enjoying the Little Mermaid ride or watching the elaborate fireworks. After seeing the difference the Make-a-Wish Foundation is making in children’s lives, Richardson decided to jump on board.

“It stirred emotions in me that I wanted to help,” he said.

In January 2011, Richardson is teaming up with Greensville resident Grant Lester for the Make-a-Wish Summit for Wishes, a journey to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. Known as the Jewel of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is the continent’s highest peak, with a summit of 5,895 metres.

“When Jim told me that he had signed up to do the Climb for Wishes, I thought it was such a great idea to be able to challenge myself with the prospect of climbing one of the tallest mountains in the world but to be able to do this and support the needs of children and help to make their wishes come true really excited me,” said Lester.

“I always love a challenge. This will allow me to gain support from my friends and family to support such a great cause while also challenging myself to get in shape to meet this task.”

Richardson and Lester must each raise $7,000 for the mission, all of which benefits a child sponsored by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Both men will cover travel costs out of their own pockets.

“It’s going to be a life-altering experience I’m sure,” said Richardson, an Ancaster resident.

The 10-day climb to the top of Kilimanjaro includes seven to eight hour days of solid hiking through rugged terrain, from dry, hot desert plateaus through lush rainforests and icy cool glaciers.

Along with 31 other participants from Quebec and the Maritimes, Richardson and Lester will receive guidance from Tusker Trail, a group that guides climbers through the high altitudes with necessary supplies such as water, oxygen and medical equipment. After a full day of hiking, the climbers will set up tents during the evening. Among their equipment, the climbers must carry sleeping bags capable of providing warmth in sub minus-20C temperatures. Tusker Trail boasts a 95 per cent success rate for all Kilimanjaro climbers who venture to the summit under their guidance.

Richardson enjoys nature hikes and occasional rock climbing, but he’s never tried mountain climbing. After signing up for the fundraising mission, he also discovered he has a mild fear of heights which he must overcome.

Richardson said he is motivated by the individual stories of children who are currently on a waiting list to receive a wish.

“All of the stories are just heart-wrenching,” he said.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation recently sent him the photo and story of two potential recipients, including five-year-old Evan from Chester Basin, N. S. Evan has congenital heart disease. In addition to his complex heart condition, he was born without a spleen, which leaves him at high risk of infection. His wish is to go to Disneyworld and meet his favourite Toy Story characters in person.

Six-year-old Amelia from Summerside, P. E. I., has a condition known as spinal muscular atrophy. The disease has slowly degenerated her muscles, forcing her to use a wheelchair. Amelia, who also hopes to go to Disneyworld, loves Disney movies. She is particularly proud of princess Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

Richardson and Lester are hosting a series of fundraisers to meet their goal of $14,000 to grant two children’s wishes.

The first event is a car wash on Saturday, July 24 at the Sobey’s Ancaster parking lot on Golf Links Road. The car wash, sponsored by Niagara Mobile Wash, runs from 10 a. m. until 3 p. m.

A Climb for Wishes golf tournament will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Willow Valley Golf Course, 8475 English Church Rd. in Mount Hope.

Registration is $110 per person which includes lunch, golf green fees, with shared cart and dinner off-site with a beverage at the Vicar’s Vice, 2251 Rymal Rd. E. in Stoney Creek.

Richardson hopes to attract at least 100 golfers for the event, which has a maximum capacity of 144.

Richardson is also selling raffle tickets for a chance to win four lower bowl seats to a Buffalo Bills home game versus Jacksonville on Oct. 10, 2010. The prize includes dinner at the Vicar’s Vice.

Donations can be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation at Eva Skin and Beauty in Dundas, which is operated by Lester’s wife, Silke at 75 King St. W.

For golf tournament registration information, contact Richardson by email at jmrichardson1@fedex.com A Facebook page has also been established under the name Jim’s Climb for Wishes.