RUSS BARSTOW
Where: Richmond BC
Job: President - SOH
Weight: 185
Born: May 16, 1970
Support me on my quest to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital.
'Summits of Hope provides the adventure of a lifetime... While making a difference for kids'
-- R. Barstow --
Russ's Bio
Russ Barstow is a high altitude mountaineer, the Founder and President of Summits of Hope.
Summits of Hope’s slogan “Everyone has a mountain to climb” means a lot to Russ. His cousin Ben was diagnosed with cancer at two years of age and succumbed to the disease three years later.
Russ created Summits of Hope to raise funds in the pursuit of a cure for childhood cancer. It is his dream to have a national organization that raises funds to help children like his cousin Ben. “I always think of Ben when I climb. Ben’s attitude as he battled cancer taught me how to triumph through adversity. He was the toughest person I ever met.”
Founded in 1999, Summits of Hope started with the goal of climbing four of the world’s ‘seven summits’ while raising funds for kids. Four years later, the team reached it’s goal – at the top of Europe – Mt. Elbrus.
“I could never have imagined where this idea would take me,” says Barstow. “I can look you in the eye and tell you to believe in your dreams, because they will come true.”
And as Summits of Hope moves into the future, Barstow encourages more people to get involved. “We are the original ‘travel with a cause’ organization… We have been leading amazing adventures to the far reaches of our planet since 1999” says Barstow. “At our initial climb meeting, I always tell our teams to be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!" Expedition members are never dissapointed.
Russ spends a lot of his time giving lectures to corporate groups and schools. He wants Summits of Hope to inspire people to get 'out of the box' and lead a life of adventure, while making a difference in their community.
“I believe we can make a difference in the way people get out and fundraise,” says Russ. “But most importantly, I believe that our group can inspire others to understand that ANY mountain can be climbed… no matter how difficult… by taking small, steady steps toward the summit.”
“If you have ever dreamed of taking the adventure of a lifetime – and making a difference… Summits of Hope is here to help you realise your dream.” Says Barstow. "It’s easy… just choose an expedition and sign up."
And remember: the journey to the summit consists of many small steps...
Summits of Hope’s slogan “Everyone has a mountain to climb” means a lot to Russ. His cousin Ben was diagnosed with cancer at two years of age and succumbed to the disease three years later.
Russ created Summits of Hope to raise funds in the pursuit of a cure for childhood cancer. It is his dream to have a national organization that raises funds to help children like his cousin Ben. “I always think of Ben when I climb. Ben’s attitude as he battled cancer taught me how to triumph through adversity. He was the toughest person I ever met.”
Founded in 1999, Summits of Hope started with the goal of climbing four of the world’s ‘seven summits’ while raising funds for kids. Four years later, the team reached it’s goal – at the top of Europe – Mt. Elbrus.
“I could never have imagined where this idea would take me,” says Barstow. “I can look you in the eye and tell you to believe in your dreams, because they will come true.”
And as Summits of Hope moves into the future, Barstow encourages more people to get involved. “We are the original ‘travel with a cause’ organization… We have been leading amazing adventures to the far reaches of our planet since 1999” says Barstow. “At our initial climb meeting, I always tell our teams to be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!" Expedition members are never dissapointed.
Russ spends a lot of his time giving lectures to corporate groups and schools. He wants Summits of Hope to inspire people to get 'out of the box' and lead a life of adventure, while making a difference in their community.
“I believe we can make a difference in the way people get out and fundraise,” says Russ. “But most importantly, I believe that our group can inspire others to understand that ANY mountain can be climbed… no matter how difficult… by taking small, steady steps toward the summit.”
“If you have ever dreamed of taking the adventure of a lifetime – and making a difference… Summits of Hope is here to help you realise your dream.” Says Barstow. "It’s easy… just choose an expedition and sign up."
And remember: the journey to the summit consists of many small steps...
My past climbs: Baker 1999, Rainier 2000, Kilimanjaro 2001, McKinley 2002, Aconcagua 2003, Baker 2004, Elbrus 2004, Kilimanjaro 2006, Ecuador 2007, Everest Base Camp 2008
My fundraising goal: To have teams from across Canada climb with us...
My highest altitude: 22,800 in the Andes
I am raising money for: BC Children's Hospital
I am climbing for: My cousin Ben
Photo Gallery
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