Heels of Love, a multi-day hike in the Israeli desert, returns March 8-10 after Israel recently reopened its borders to vaccinated U.S. visitors. Americans can now register to participate in the hike, which benefits the children of ALYN Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.
(Courtesy of ALYN) With the reopening of Israel’s borders to vaccinated U.S. visitors, Americans can now participate in the fourth annual Heels of Love hike benefitting ALYN Hospital and Rehabilitation Center. The multi-day trek through the Israeli desert benefits Israel’s only pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation facility, which provides innovative and individualized care and treatment.
On the intimate excursion, hikers will explore the awe-inspiring landscape of the Israeli desert led by expert guides. The overnight hike will take place March 8-10 and offers hikers two routes. The Adventure Route, created for the veteran hiker, spans three days, and covers about 10 miles per day, with steep climbs and technical passages. A scenic two-day route is available for those who want to enjoy the views of the desert while walking moderate paths. During the evenings, hikers will rest at the prepared campsite, where their individual tents will surround a peaceful desert campfire and special guests will inspire the group with stories about the wonderful work that ALYN does.
ALYN is known for being one of the most innovative pediatric rehabilitation centers in the world, treating children with a holistic approach that focuses on providing them the tools to live with the greatest possible amount of independence and mobility, both with their families as well as in the context of a supportive community.
All proceeds from Heels of Love go towards the rehabilitation facility and will be used to purchase cutting-edge technologies and equipment and to hire new, specialized therapists who help the children thrive.
“Israel has just opened their borders to vaccinated American travelers, so this is the perfect opportunity for hikers from the U.S. to support an important cause while exploring Israel’s beautiful landscape,” said Maayan Aviv, executive director of American Friends of ALYN Hospital, a nonprofit that increases awareness of ALYN’s work in the U.S. “Past participants always tell us that their trek through the Eilat mountains was inspirational—and knowing that the funds they raised ensure ALYN can provide its pediatric patients with care made it even more unique an experience. There is nothing more meaningful than that.”
Registration is now open. Every participant on the Heels of Love hike has a fundraising minimum, which will need to be met one week before the hike begins. To learn more about the routes and to register, visit https://www.alynactive.org/event/hike/.
Heels of Love is not ALYN’s only active fundraising event. ALYN Hospital’s traditional fundraiser, a multi-day bike ride called Wheels of Love, is entering its 22nd year in Israel, while the first multi-day ride in the U.S. was held just last year. Though registration is not yet open, pictures from previous rides and updates about this year’s event can be found at https://www.alynactive.org/event/ride/
