BRISBANE social justice advocate Peter Arndt likes a challenge – and he’s expecting 2020 will push him to new heights.
As a blind person, Mr Arndt has signed up to climb Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, to raise money for Guide Dogs Queensland.
“I will have to train very hard,” the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission executive officer admitted, as he prepares for the trek in September.
To build endurance, Mr Arndt has already started weight training, boxing and extra walks with his favourite companion, seven-year-old labrador Mack.
He said it is Mack that provided him “much greater independence” in life, and that was one reason for throwing his energy into the Mt Kilamanjaro climb.
The Climb for Guide Dogs 2020, from September 12-20 aims to raise $100,000 to provide two Queenslanders with a full-trained guide dog.
It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise and train each guide dog in Australia, with public donations covering most of the costs.
Mr Arndt said he had the full support of his wife, four grown children and grandchildren to make the climb, and he would soon be calling for donations.
“I will need to raise funds to cover the cost of the climb and to help two more blind people to enjoy the great gift of having a guide dog like my gorgeous Mack,” he posted on Facebook.
“In the coming weeks, I will let you know how you can help me and Guide Dogs Queensland. What an awesome opportunity.”
