Volunteer Ira Kalina climbed Island Peak in Nepal, 6,189 meters high, to draw attention to animals suffering from the war and in need of daily support. At an altitude of 5,710 meters, Ira had to turn back due to health issues. However, the flag in support of animals flew high on Island Peak at last.
While Ira was climbing, we were raising money to help animals suffering from war.
Climbing to Island Peak lasted three weeks. Each day involves trekking, gaining altitude, overnight stays in lodges eventually transforming to nights in tents the higher she climbs. The higher you climb, the fewer the amenities and the greater the physical strain.
The biggest challenge is the altitude. Breathing becomes harder — even for a single step. As Ira says, you may need up to three breaths.
«It is a constant battle with yourself. Your brain keeps telling you: you’re in pain, stop. But you take another step. And another one. Big summits are always about small steps. In the mountains, you feel resistance very strongly. At the same time, you grow. For me, it’s important to understand that I was able to achieve what I once dreamed of,» the volunteer shares.
Thousands of animals in Ukraine are suffering because of the war: they are left without homes, food, or the people who once cared for them. Ira’s climb to one of the Himalayan peaks is a way to loudly remind the world about pets, domesticated, and wild animals.
Since the beginning of the war, we have been continuously evacuating animals from frontline areas, treating them, feeding them, and supporting shelters. Every donation helps us continue this work.
The Ukrainian Iryna Kalina dedicates each of her summits to someone. This time, she dedicated it to the animals affected by the war.
Climbing this mountain, the volunteer drew attention to the fact that thousands of animals are facing challenges and consequences of the war. She also helped raise money for the animals’ rescue.
«I help a shelter and raise money for it every week. But I feel like it’s not enough. So I thought: what if I show my route upward and help this way? Maybe someone who doesn’t pay attention to news about animals will notice a climb. Then something might change.
If my ascent of Island Peak helps even one animal or makes someone look differently at their lives, then it will all have been worth it,» said volunteer Ira on the eve of the climb.
Before, Ira had already climbed seven peaks in various countries. The highest of them was Kala Patthar in Nepal — 5,643 meters above sea level.
Island Peak presented a new challenge with greater altitude, where breathing is more difficult, and a more technically demanding route, consisting of steep snow and ice sections and a final summit push.
Although climbing is now complete, the animals need help every day. We continue to raise funds for their rescue.
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