Lebanese mountaineer/activist Rami Rasamny has succeeded in the fundraising challenge of running to the top and back of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro.
In the wake of the blast, Rasamny had embarked on a challenge to hike across the 470 km Lebanon Mountain Trail non-stop in 8 days to raise funds for the Lebanese Red Cross.
Now, he journeyed on a life-changing mission to support Lebanese Chef Tina Wazirian with food distribution to the most vulnerable people in Lebanon.
Organized by Mission Lebanon, “The KilimanjaRun” aimed to raise 5,895 USD – a dollar for every meter of the mountain.
After emotionally reaching the summit in 10 hours, Rasamny was able to make it back in time to complete “The KilimanjaRun” in the record time of 14 hours and 23 minutes from start to finish.
His successful run was able to achieve more than the set goal, raising over $6,000 (at the time of writing)!
People in Lebanon have been deeply affected by the August 4 Beirut explosion, the pandemic, and the deterioration of the financial situation.
Today, many are dependent on help and donations from abroad, especially in fresh dollars. To get a perspective of where Lebanon currently stands, right now, $1 = more than 10,000 LBP.
So, $6,000 in Lebanon now amounts to over 60 million LBP. Formerly, it would have been worth 9 million LBP.
Lebanon‘s financial crash has given a new face to poverty. Respected lawyers, doctors, teachers, bankers, and more now make a fraction of what they used to earn. Even Lebanon‘s army is struggling.
Initiatives like Mission Lebanon give able Lebanese the chance to help others in their country who are struggling, and for individual friends of Lebanon to contribute as well.
It is highlighting both Lebanese success and vulnerability and creating an atmosphere of community, letting it be known that together Lebanese can get through this.