SHALVA supporters raise 300Ka on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Scaling the largest free-standing mountain in the world is an unbelievable accomplishment, a test of human endurance and tenacity. Raising a special needs child can require the same tenacity.

Thirty Jews from around the world climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise $300,000 for SHALVA, the Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Jerusalem, an organization that helps the parents and children of SHALVA scale their own personal “mountains.”

The climb attracted an eclectic group of trekkers from around the world, spanning the spectrum from secular to Orthodox.

“What started as a U.K. initiative became a global effort as the unique opportunity captured imaginations around the world,” said trip coordinator Gaby Hirsch.

John Corre, 71, a Jerusalem resident and grandfather of nine, said the climb “was the most wonderful Jewish experience, with a group of wonderful people, who became one big happy family.”

For 25 years, SHALVA has been helping children with special needs move beyond their limitations. SHALVA programs and services provide individual treatment for the child while also strengthening the fabric of the family. SHALVA has been accompanying each of 500 children from birth to adulthood, tailoring programs to help participants reach their full potential and integrate into the community.

“Our ages ranged from 27 to 71 (me) but age differences didn’t matter, because we all realized that, whatever challenge we faced on the mountain was insignificant compared to the daily challenges faced by the children of Shalva, for whom we were delighted to have raised over $300,000 from our incredibly generous family and friends,” Corre said.

Each climber pledged to raise $10,000, finding their own unique methods of raising money, from running an “Auction of Promises” to sponsored paragliding. The money raised is helping to fund SHALVA’s National Center due to open in the heart of Jerusalem next year. This state-of-the-art facility will enable SHALVA to offer treatment to four times as many children, making SHALVA a beacon of hope throughout the Middle East.