Dear friends,

PricewaterhouseCoopers is taking its charity activities to new heights — literally! A group of PwC Russia partners are going to attempt to climb Mt Elbrus in the Caucasus this summer to raise money for the charity organisation Downside Up.

Downside Up works to improve the quality of life for children in Russia with Down syndrome by providing them and their families with education and social services.

At 5,642 metres, our physical target, Mt Elbrus, is the highest point in Europe. Our fundraising target of $100,000 represents a new peak in PwC Russia charity activity as well.

The expedition team consists of ten partners: Alexei Ivanov, Brian Arnold, Chris Barrett, Doug Miller, Lioudmila Mamet, Steven Snaith, Vadim Khrapoun, Veronica Misiutina, Vladimir Demushkin, William Schofield and will be led by PwC Assurance FS Partner Vladimir Demushkin and CEE TLS Leader Steven Snaith. In addition to donating their time, the partners will cover all expedition costs out of their own pockets and each make a personal financial contribution to the charity. Every dollar raised during the campaign will go to Downside Up.

We have already implemented a number of charity initiatives that were tremendously successful thanks to our clients' input and involvement. Unfortunately, we can't invite you to join us in our climb of Elbrus this time, but we very much welcome your contribution to our chosen charity, Downside Up.

Sincerely yours,

PwC