"Wind is the natural element of the horse. As it gallops across the plain the wind arises to meet it, its long tail and mane flowing freely as it speeds through the stillness of the air, creating wind. Both the wind and the horse are natural vehicles of movement, the horse carrying material form and the wind ethereal form. Prayers are carried on the wind, and in Tibet the prayer flag is known as the Windhorse, Lung Ta, in Tibetan."

- from The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs by Robert Beer
Shambhala Press, 1999

"Robert and Katrina have proven that with determination and vision, no obstacle is too great to overcome.  Their adventurous spirit coupled with raising funds for charity sets an example for all Canadians.  Robert and Katrina, thank you for challenging us to go above and beyond."
 The Hon. David R. Peterson, PC, QC
and Noble C. Chummar, LL.B., LL.M.
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

"What can one say about Rob? He has been climbing peaks with success all of his life.  I stand in great admiration of everything Rob has done and look forward to watching Altruvest rise to new heights."
Dr. Jon Dellandrea C.M.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development and External Affairs)
University of Oxford

 
“I have much admiration for what Katrina and Robert have just accomplished. It is the symbol of what a Canadian couple can do for their country, and for those who are less fortunate.”
 Paul Desmarais, Jr.
Chairman & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Power Corporation of Canada

“This has been a long time goal of Rob and Katrina who are to be congratulated on this amazing achievement.  Their perseverance and commitment is best exemplified in their contributed work to further the causes of Altruvest, a charity Rob created to help other charities perform more efficiently and general greater social outcomes.”
 
Their accomplishment today and their commitment to Altruvest should make this a proud day for all Canadians.
 Michael Boychuk
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
BCE

Rob and Katrina:
Marci and I and our children are following your progress and we are wishing you the best of conditions, strength, endurance, and luck as you summit today. You are truly an inspiration to anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting you two!
Cheers,
H. Brock Bundy
Chief Executive Officer
Greenfield Financial Group Inc.

I am awake and weeping as I read the news that you made it!
Congratulations!
I am so excited for you!
Carolyn

Katrina you are amazing! Loving the photos and whole adventure online. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What an incredible journey. You sound so well prepared. Enjoy the view from the top and I can't wait to hear more stories when you get back!
lots of love nic xxx

Rob & Katrina,
First, Congratulations on your marriage, may you have a long and happy life together. And secondly, thank you for calling to wish me Happy Birthday from Everest! After five long years it is truly great to hear from you and your call will undoubtedly be the highlight of my day! I can't stop thinking about it and I want to wish you success on your trip to the top! I hear that last days climb is a real high.

Good luck and Rhonda and I would love to see you and Katrina if you're ever in town. God Bless and Happy Easter!
Ron Lipovsky

“A remarkable initiative from a remarkable couple! Only Rob and Katrina would even think of committing to climb each of the highest summits to support Altruvest and I have no doubt they will succeed–to the benefit of Altruvest and meet the challenge itself.”
Sen. Trevor Eyton, QC
Senate of Canada

"Katrina and Rob -
Congratulations on your efforts to make a difference! All the best for success as you embark on this tremendous and exciting challenge. I've learned that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Good luck to you both, and to your team, for the summit."
Rick Hansen, C.C., O.B.C.
Man In Motion Foundation

“Altruvest has made an enormous contribution by innovating the means whereby volunteers are encouraged and assisted to serve on boards of charitable organizations. This further expands their ability to serve the communities they support. As well, Altruvest assists these organizations in improving their governance to function more efficiently. Rob Follows’s exciting venture, with Katrina, climbing ‘Everest for Altruvest’ will go a long way in highlighting their work and deserves every support”.
Murray Koffler
Founder, Shoppers Drug Mart

“The best of luck on your grand adventure! Life gives us many mountains to conquer, but not many choose to challenge themselves in this way, and for the good of others!”
Founder, Tilley Endurables Inc.
Alex Tilley

“I have known Rob for many years and he always gives everything to reach his personal and professional goals. I am certain that Rob’s drive will get him to the top of the mountain, but even more important, Rob’s dedication will propel Altruvest to its own summit.”
Dr. Chris McKenna
University of Oxford

“When Rob Follows summits Mt. Everest on behalf of Altruvest, he will only confirm what his friends from Oxford University already know: when he is doing something to help other people, he can scale the greatest heights.”
Craig Tiedman
NASA Headquarters

“In Life there are many mountains to climb. With your commitment and dedication, we are sure you will achieve your goal in climbing "Mount Everest". Safe journey Rob & Katrina on your climb of this great mountain...
Pete and Lins, hosts of the International Sports Report
on THE FAN 590 Sports Radio and Global Sports TV

"Congratulations Rob and Katrina on all your effort to make charities better. Your pursuit of the summit is consistent with your determination to meet challenges wherever you find them. Good luck!"
Nicholas Offord, President, The Offord Group

"Katrina and Rob, God's speed in your awe-inspiring vision of reaching the summit of Everest. This comes from a man who has difficulty climbing to the second floor of an apartment building."
George Gross
Corporate Sports Editor
The Toronto Sun

"Congratulations Rob and Katrina on your inspiring vision for Altruvest, and good luck in achieving success on Everest"
Jim Hayhurst Sr.,
Chairman, The Right Mountain and Everest climber

"Many congratulations on your inspiring efforts and fine example for all of us. Good luck in reaching the summit."
John Beddington
Founder & Tournament Director,
The Masters Tennis, Royal Albert Hall, London, England


"Ain't no mountain high enough for Rob and Katrina....congratulations and best wishes to Altruvest".
Richard Baker, Managing Director & CEO,
Boots Group PLC, U.K.


"Congratulations Rob and Katrina on your inspiring vision for Altruvest. I have an understanding of the commitment, having trained with one of Canada's previous Everest climbers. (Byron Smith) Good luck in reaching the summit of Everest".
Donald Ziraldo, Co-Founder, Inniskillin Wines


"Everest will be all the better for a visit from Rob & Katrina. Awe and inspiration will abound. We wish everybody the best of luck"
Dr. Robert Buckman & wife Pat Shaw
Author, TV Personality & World -Class Communications Expert

"Your clarity of vision for Altruvest and commitment to altruism reflects a pinnacle of light for our generation to follow and pass on to our children. Thank you for this extraordinary gift to Canada, and revolutionary idea for charities around the world to embrace and become stronger. Rob and Katrina, good luck and best wishes on your quest to summit Everest, and come home safely."
Mark Raynes Roberts
President
Raynes & Co. Ltd

"Rob and Katrina - Congratulations on an inspiring vision and action to help build stronger foundations for charities to grow. Good luck in your ascent of Everest and in taking Altruvest to new heights!"
Dayle Rakowsky
Executive Director
The Edward Bronfman Family Foundation