Growing up in Newfoundland and Labrador, Linda Phillips learned about the Canadian Red Cross in school and was encouraged to be kind and help others. At the age of 10, she started to put half of her recess money - which was only five cents – in a bottle dedicated to donations to the Red Cross.
Now retired, Linda is a member of the Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle and sits on the Tiffany Circle National Steering Committee. “The work of the Canadian Red Cross has always had a profound effect on me. So, when I retired, I felt an even greater desire to help the Canadian Red Cross as much as possible,” says Linda.
The Tiffany Circle is a network of leading women philanthropists dedicated to the mission of the Canadian Red Cross. With over 80 passionate members across the country, they are committed to action and making a lasting impact as part of the largest humanitarian network in the world.
On January 21, 2025, Linda departed to fulfil a lifelong dream of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m/19,340 ft) in Tanzania, Africa, and to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross.
While climbing to the top of the summit, Linda encountered various obstacles including stormy weather and very narrow paths. “I forced myself to never question whether I would make it to the summit,” says Linda.
Linda recalls hiking with her husband when he was alive. “When we came to narrow ledges, he would always go first and say, ‘I'm going to move my foot and make another step. You move your foot and make another step.’”
During these moments of narrow paths and unforgiving weather, she persevered and was reminded of Stephen. “I talked to him in my mind all the way along that high, narrow ledge and once at the top, I said, WE made it.”
Linda reached the top of the summit, despite the stormy conditions and wind. The first thing she did was take out the Canadian Red Cross and Tiffany Circle flags in her backpack and waved it proudly. “Being at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 19,340 feet with the Canadian Red Cross flag is an experience I will absolutely never forget.”
On her descent, Linda met a man who was trembling from the cold and offered to help him. She remembered that she packed a Canadian Red Cross emergency blanket. “So, we got the blanket on him as quickly as possible,” explained Linda. “As he started to feel warmer, he called out, thank you, Red Cross! Despite the howling winds and the blowing snow, I smiled and thought, what a wonderful moment, who would have thought that the Canadian Red Cross would be there to help?”
Upon reflecting on her adventure of a lifetime, Linda encourages everyone to seek out new journeys and to cherish them. “I felt that raising the Canadian Red Cross at the summit symbolized for me the journey of perseverance, because you really had to persevere, the empowerment that it gave me, and it was also an opportunity to raise funds to lift others in need,” explains Linda.
"Linda's remarkable achievement in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a true testament to her unwavering spirit of courage and generosity,” says Alison Thornton, Associate Director, Women in Philanthropy. “We are deeply proud to have Linda as a member of the Tiffany Circle, and her commitment continues to inspire us all.”
Join Linda in making a difference with the Canadian Red Cross by donating to her fundraising campaign, open until March 8, 2025, in honour of International Women’s Day.
Now retired, Linda is a member of the Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle and sits on the Tiffany Circle National Steering Committee. “The work of the Canadian Red Cross has always had a profound effect on me. So, when I retired, I felt an even greater desire to help the Canadian Red Cross as much as possible,” says Linda.
The Tiffany Circle is a network of leading women philanthropists dedicated to the mission of the Canadian Red Cross. With over 80 passionate members across the country, they are committed to action and making a lasting impact as part of the largest humanitarian network in the world.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a Charitable Cause
Linda and her late husband Stephen were avid hikers and had dreamed of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro when they retired. When he passed away, Linda remained motivated to take on the challenge herself and honour their commitment.On January 21, 2025, Linda departed to fulfil a lifelong dream of scaling Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m/19,340 ft) in Tanzania, Africa, and to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross.
While climbing to the top of the summit, Linda encountered various obstacles including stormy weather and very narrow paths. “I forced myself to never question whether I would make it to the summit,” says Linda. Linda recalls hiking with her husband when he was alive. “When we came to narrow ledges, he would always go first and say, ‘I'm going to move my foot and make another step. You move your foot and make another step.’”
During these moments of narrow paths and unforgiving weather, she persevered and was reminded of Stephen. “I talked to him in my mind all the way along that high, narrow ledge and once at the top, I said, WE made it.”
Canadian Red Cross Flag Reaches the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Linda reached the top of the summit, despite the stormy conditions and wind. The first thing she did was take out the Canadian Red Cross and Tiffany Circle flags in her backpack and waved it proudly. “Being at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 19,340 feet with the Canadian Red Cross flag is an experience I will absolutely never forget.”On her descent, Linda met a man who was trembling from the cold and offered to help him. She remembered that she packed a Canadian Red Cross emergency blanket. “So, we got the blanket on him as quickly as possible,” explained Linda. “As he started to feel warmer, he called out, thank you, Red Cross! Despite the howling winds and the blowing snow, I smiled and thought, what a wonderful moment, who would have thought that the Canadian Red Cross would be there to help?”
Upon reflecting on her adventure of a lifetime, Linda encourages everyone to seek out new journeys and to cherish them. “I felt that raising the Canadian Red Cross at the summit symbolized for me the journey of perseverance, because you really had to persevere, the empowerment that it gave me, and it was also an opportunity to raise funds to lift others in need,” explains Linda.
"Linda's remarkable achievement in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a true testament to her unwavering spirit of courage and generosity,” says Alison Thornton, Associate Director, Women in Philanthropy. “We are deeply proud to have Linda as a member of the Tiffany Circle, and her commitment continues to inspire us all.”
How to Support Linda’s Fundraising Challenge
Linda has generously set up a fundraising challenge where she will match every dollar raised up to $15,000 – doubling the impact of individual contributions – in support of the Canadian Red Cross. “Even though the climb is finished, I encourage others to still donate to the Canadian Red Cross and Tiffany Circle because we are at a time when the lives and livelihoods and needs of so many people are unprecedented,” says Linda.Join Linda in making a difference with the Canadian Red Cross by donating to her fundraising campaign, open until March 8, 2025, in honour of International Women’s Day.
