What’s a Climb-A-Thon?
It’s climbing to raise money for mutual aid in Gaza. For each dollar a climber is sponsored, they will climb one meter.
We're aiming to create a local, community driven opportunity to fundraise for violently displaced families in Gaza, and to help climbers who care about Palestine connect with each other and build networks of care.
When is it happening?
The Climb-A-Thon runs from July 8 - July 21.
Where is the money going?
Who is organizing?
The event is organized by local Edmonton climbers, and the mutual aid network is also locally vetted. Join us at a climbing event to meet the crew and help build our local network!
What’s the fundraising target?
We are aiming to raise $2000 in two weeks. It’s ok if we go over though!
For Sponsors:
What does it mean to “sponsor” a climber?
For every dollar you send, your sponsored climber will commit to climbing 1 meter. Their meters climbed and meters owed will be displayed on the homepage leaderboard, so you can cheer them on as they race to get their meters in before the Climb-A-Thon ends!
Will I receive a tax receipt?
No, as the money is going to a mutual aid organizer in Gaza. Due to Israel’s continued indiscriminate violence in Gaza, including against internationally recognized charitable and non-profit organizations, there is very little aid entering Gaza from tax-deductible organizations. Mutual aid is the best way to get immediate support to Palestinians in Gaza.
How do I send money?
Uncle Gaza Mutual Aid Campaign is collecting money through e-transfers to unclegazamutualaid@gmail.com or through a GoFundMe campaign. E-transfers are preferred, however, as there are no platform fees.
Will all my money get to people in Gaza?
No, there are considerable fees involved in transferring money from Edmonton to Gaza. The Climb-A-Thon organizers, however, are entirely volunteers and no event costs are being covered by the donated funds.
Do I need to know a climber to sponsor them?
Not at all! You can sponsor any climber you choose. We may not know each other directly, but we’re already in community because we are fighting for Palestine together.
I’m ready to sponsor! What do I do?
E-transfer your chosen amount to unclegazamutualaid@gmail.com and take a screenshot of the confirmation screen or email. Next, select “Sponsor a Climber” on the home page, select your chosen climber, enter your amount, and attach the screenshot. Once we verify the details, your meters will be added to that climber’s tab, and they’ll hit the gym!
Is there a minimum sponsorship amount?
No. Every dollar helps.
What if I sponsor someone ONE MILLION DOLLARS? Will they climb one million meters?
…they will do their best! But probably not. If a climber gets sponsored more than they can climb, they might ask for help from other climbers in the climb-a-thon to cover those meters. If there is more sponsorship than all our climbers combined can manage, well, that would be incredible.
For Climbers:
Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee, but we’re asking climbers who sign up to commit to fundraising. It can feel hard to ask for money, and it can feel hard to talk about Palestine - we want to build these muscles together as a climbing community. There is no minimum sponsorship required to join, we just ask that you commit to trying.
If you’re not comfortable soliciting funds but want to be part of the community, consider sponsoring an existing climber and joining us at a climbing meet-up instead!
What kind of climbing counts?
Any climbing, indoor or out, including dry tooling.
How many meters are in a climb? How do I know how much I’ve climbed?
Boulder and high wall heights vary between and even within facilities in Edmonton, so there’s going to be some guesswork. Indoor boulder problems are typically between 3-4m, and high wall climbs are between 10m-18m. Please use your best judgement!
I don’t live in Edmonton. Can I enter the Climb-A-Thon?
Yes! While our focus is on building local solidarity, we are excited to welcome anyone who wants to participate.
Do I need to climb at a particular level?
All ability levels are welcome. As long as it’s climbing, the meters count.
I have sponsors and I’m climbing - how else can I participate?
Share the campaign and help build our community. Learn more about what’s happening in Palestine, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Take videos of yourself climbing and share on socials; tag @climbers4palestineyeg, tag your local gym, tag your friends. Wear your keffiyah, pins, and patches. Talk about Palestine.