2024 SDIA Kili Climb for a Cause
The SDIA Kili Climb for a Cause is about more than just reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak. It’s about pushing beyond personal limits, building resilience, and fostering a sense of camaraderie and purpose. By undertaking this climb, the team aims to inspire others to support the mission of SDIA: to engage, assist, and empower our nation’s veterans and first responders to #getoffthecouch
Kili Climb for a Cause- SDIA 2024
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is thrilled to announce that ten of its dedicated veterans and first responders will embark on a monumental journey to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. This extraordinary effort aims to raise funds and awareness to support SDIA’s vital programs that assist our nation’s heroes.
The team, composed of veterans and first responders from across the country, will begin their ascent on July 29th, and the climb is estimated to take 7 days. Standing at 19,341 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, symbolizing the formidable challenges these men and women face daily in their service to our country and communities. Their climb is not just a physical endeavor but a testament to their resilience and commitment to helping others.
Each participant is climbing to raise money to support SDIA’s mission to engage, assist, and empower veterans and first responders. The funds raised will directly support SDIA’s three pillar programs: Outdoor Adventures (physical activity), Warrior PATHH training (mental wellness) and Continued Service/Disaster Response (volunteerism). These programs are designed to promote camaraderie, a sense of purpose, and emotional and physical well-being.
Kilimanjaro: Climb for a Cause 2023
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is honored to be part of Sam's Furniture's Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause.The "Kili Climb for a Cause" climbing team, sponsored by Sam’s Furniture in Springdale, Arkansas, includes owner and veteran Joe Donaldson, and ten fellow Veterans - two of which are Purple Heart recipients.
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast.
The morning of July 27 the Kili Climb team stepped off on the Marangu Route and five days later summited!
Day One: The Sheep Dog Climbers completed their first day of climbing and staged at their first camp -...
UPDATE #1 – Kilimanjaro: Climb for a Cause
Our Kilimanjaro: Climb For A Cause team has brought Veterans from all over the US together to do one of the most challenging things they’ve ever done - climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! They have embarked on this challenge to bring awareness to veteran suicide and to show the world that no matter what, you can do and accomplish hard things!
Our Climbers have begun their trek, and will be taking the Lemosho route. They are 8 hours ahead of us, and as of this writing have finished Day 2.
Let’s get you caught up and full of Kilimanjaro facts.
The Climbers departed the US on Sunday, August 1, traveled for 20+ hours, and arrived in Tanzania on August 2, staying in a hotel in Moshi.
August 3 they did a gear check with their guides and porters to ensure everyone had all that they need for a successful climb.
And They’re Off to Climb Kili!
The Sam's Furniture Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause is FINALLY HERE!
After months of preparation and training, the Climbing Team has arrived in Tanzania!The "Kili Climb for a Cause" Climbing Team, sponsored by Sam’s Furniture in Springdale, Arkansas, includes owners, Joe & Larra Donaldson, a video production team, and ten Veterans - four of which are Purple Heart recipients (single- and double-limb amputees).Be sure to watch our Facebook & Instagram pages (@SheepDogIA) as well as our website for updates on their progress.And once they hit the trail, click this link to see where they are at LIVE!
Our Kili Climbers on the bus in Tanzania.
Meet Our Purple Heart Recipient Climbers
While on his second tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Sgt Galloway lost his left arm above the elbow, his left leg above...
4 Purple Heart Recipients Need Your Support to Climb Kilimanjaro
KILI CLIMB FOR A CAUSE
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is honored to be part of Sam's Furniture's Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause happening in August.
The "Kili Climb for a Cause" climbing team, sponsored by Sam’s Furniture in Springdale, Arkansas, includes owners, Joe & Larra Donaldson, a video production team, and ten Veterans - four of which are Purple Heart recipients (single- and double-limb amputees).
This adventure was featured on the March 1, 2020, Fox & Friends show and was originally scheduled for July 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled for August 2021.
WHY ARE WE CLIMBING?
The Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause was created to inspire all individuals to face challenges head-on and work to overcome them. Summiting Kilimanjaro is a huge undertaking and accomplishment for a person without physical injuries to deal with. For those like our Purple Heart recipients who...