Salim & Oliver climb for Pakistan floods

Introduction:

You may have seen the news about the devastating Pakistan floods and landslides that have taken place over the last weeks and the enormous impact they have had on the millions of people, the infrastructure, and the future of the country. Over One-third of the country is underwater and the ongoing effects of the floods are increasing daily!

We have decided to use our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro (which we will start on September 27 and complete in 7 days) as an opportunity to raise funds to support the people of Pakistan. We will try and post updates once we start the journey to keep you all posted!

This page is being managed by Salim's wife Saira whose extended family lives in Pakistan.

You can read more about the two of us, about the devastation in Pakistan and about the charity we have chosen to donate to below.

As you can imagine, the climb will be a physical and mental challenge for both of us so feel free to leave words of encouragement!

Thank you for your donation. Please share with your networks!

Further information:

-Heavy monsoon rain and glacial lake outbursts

-Mid-June

-An estimated 33 million people, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,265+ individuals.

-At least 80 of the 160 districts of Pakistan have been affected in Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and GilgitBaltistan Region, according to the Government of Pakistan (GoP).

-1.4 Million houses have been damaged or destroyed.

-Whole villages are underwater.

-3,150 miles of road and at least 240 bridges across Pakistan has impeded evacuations, access to essential services, and the ability of search-and-rescue teams and relief actors to reach some heavily affected areas, according to the GoP and the UN.

Salim and Oliver's story:

We met over 20 years ago, though our fathers met over 50 years ago as budding industrialists in Uganda, East Africa. We have a love and passion for Africa, and despite moving around the world, the continent is like a drum that beats life in our souls. It has been a dream for us to ascend the highest point of the continent, a journey that will celebrate our brotherly friendship as well as support a wider cause.

"The cause that has been chosen is important to us for many reasons. Firstly to see any human suffering like this is heartbreaking. It has been especially difficult to see and hear the stories coming out of Pakistan as my wife Saira’s heritage is Pakistani and she has family members in different parts of the country." Salim

"This climb is important to me as a feat of endurance and pushing the boundaries of my personal ability. As Sir Edmund Hillary put it, “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”." Oliver

It's the 1st time either of us will attempt to climb a mountain and some of the concerns are around dealing with the change in altitude and sickness-it isn't something we can fully prepare for, however, we exercise regularly and we have confidence that our bodies and mind are strong enough to try.

"Having Salim by my side gives me strength and motivation as we will be able to push each other and knowing he is a warrior-like person who never gives up, I believe I have the right company to summit Uhuru Peak. The ability to do all of this for the devastating flood victims of Pakistan is a true privilege, and ultimately, this climb is dedicated to those people who have lost their homes and loved ones, they are the real heroes in this story. I would like to thank Saira for spearheading this initiative and helping with all the admin stuff, so that we can focus on the mammoth task ahead; conquering Kilimanjaro." Oliver

The chosen charity:

Our chosen charity is Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan

This charity was chosen after research and conversations with Saira's (Salim’s wife) relatives that live in Pakistan.

The UK partner of Alkhidmat is Aghosh -registered charity number: 1178778.

The funds you kindly donate will go directly from GoFundMe to this charity.

Thank you for any donation you can make, no matter how small. It would mean a lot if you could share this link with your networks!