NEW GLASGOW - Clean water and mountain climbing go hand and hand for Devin Publicover.
But isn't his own water consumption he is concerned about right now.
Instead, the 25-year-old New Glasgow native is leaving Friday to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in an effort to raise awareness and funds to combat the global water and sanitation crisis.
"Bringing clean water to anyone in desperate need of it is as good as any reason to climb a mountain," he said while fundraising outside of Sobeys this past weekend.
Publicover considers himself an adventurist who loves to climb mountains, skydive, explore caves and go river rafting.
He first fell in love with mountain climbing about two years ago when he moved to western Canada for work.
"There is something about standing on the bottom of a mountain and battling your way up for four to eight hours," he said. "It's a physical and mental test."
Publicover said he found out about the WaterCan Challenge from a friend and thought it would be a great experience. He is currently close to his goal of having to raise $5,000 for the cause.
He will be accompanied by CTV entertainment anchor Ben Mulroney, along with 22 other climbers, on the hike that will take five days to make it to the top of the 3,300 metre high mountain and two days to come down.
"Altitude sickness will be my biggest challenge," he said, adding the highest he has ever climbed is 3,150 metres.
Publicover said he expects the experience to be rewarding because he is getting a chance of a lifetime to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but also help people in need of clean water.
"The Kilimanjaro Climb for Life is a big stepping-stone for me, and will place me firmly onto a path of compassion and understanding of those less fortunate," Devin said recently of his decision to join the climb. "I am going to make a difference and I will continue to once this adventure is over."
Anyone wanting to donate to WaterCan or support Publicover with his fundraising initiatives can do so online at http://www.watercan.com/25/kilimanjaro-climb-for-life/.
