ROB and KATRINA FOLLOWS:
In 2004, Rob and Katrina decided to undertake two of life's incredible journeys together: The first consisted of climbing the world's tallest mountains on each of the seven continents; the second from 2005 onwards, was to become engaged, get married and have their honeymoon on 3 of those summits!
With the summits now behind them, Rob and Katrina have set their sites on a new challenge. In April 2007 the Follows undertook the first part of a 2-stage journey "Pole to Pole for Altruvest" by skiing to the Geographic North Pole. Next year they will complete the journey by skiing to the South Pole to continue raising funds and awareness for Altruvest.
Rob is the Founder and Chairman of Altruvest Charitable Services, and is recognized as a leading authority on corporate philanthropy. He is also the Founding Partner of STS Capital Partners, a boutique international mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance firm focused on assisting entrepreneurs and family businesses on their paths from "Success to Significance". Rob was awarded Canada's Top 40 Under 40 award in 1999.
In addition to a BA with distinction from University of Toronto in 1982 and a law degree from Osgoode Law School (1988), he holds an MSc in Advanced Strategy from Oxford University (2002), where he studied the processes underlying corporate decisions leading to philanthropic giving. He is planning to complete a PhD in the same field.
With the assistance of one of the world's best polar guides, Ola Skinnarmo, Rob and Katrina made the grueling ski journey to the North Pole arriving at 90 degrees true north in mid April 2007.
In addition to the Altruvest Team, many volunteers are also working hard to make this initiative succeed.
Thank you to everyone who is helping to take Altruvest and all of Canada's charities to new heights!
OLA SKINNARMO
Ola is one of the world's best Arctic guides. The first Swede ever to ski to the Pole, he also holds the record for fastest trip (on skis) from Russia to the North Pole. A veteran of many expeditions, Ola will lead this leg of the Pole to Pole for Altruvest journey. You can find out more about him at www.olaskinnarmo.com.