Team members included local Hamilton and Burlington businessmen Peter Turkstra, Fred Losani, Steve Stipsits, Mark MacLennan, and expedition leader Doug Stoup.

The team dealt with unseasonably cold weather and violent winds, burning 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day.

“It’s very scary how small you are when you’re out there,” Mark explained. Fellow team member Steve added, “the South Pole trip was an endless, vast nothingness. It’s completely featureless, just like a sheet of ice.”

Unfortunately, Mark suffered frostbite after having his hands exposed for a mere 5-10 minutes when he removed his gloves to re-tie a knot on his sled. He was airlifted and treated by a doctor at Patriot Hills in Chile, and later flown home for Christmas.

Although disappointed that Mark wouldn’t be able to continue with his injury, the rest of the team endured.

“Once you reach the South Pole, your mind just thinks about getting home to your family,” said Peter. However, another bout of bad luck forced the team to be delayed at the South Pole for four days. White-out conditions made air travel unsafe so they couldn’t make it home until December 28.

Each of the team members kept journals and had access to iPods while trekking across the polar plateau. Fred used a PDA to write updates for the website, collecting questions from children by satellite phone and translating information back through website broadcasts. Kids were able to communicate with the team members through guestbook feedback as well.

“All I can tell you is when you’re in a tent and you’re stuck in the South Pole, it’s wonderful to read young people write inspirational comments,” said Peter.

The Snowflake Campaign has also been a testament to the team’s perseverance. The program was developed in partnership with the local Public and Catholic School Boards for children to raise money for their community. Approximately $15,000 has been raised to date and Pioneer Petroleums has offered to match this value.

Donations for the 2008 South Pole Expedition for Kids are still being accepted at www.southpoleforkids.ca .