Focus Area
Humanitarian Relief
Location
Singapore
Beneficiaries
Vulnerable communities supported by organizations such as the Singapore Red Cross, Indonesia Red Cross, One Girl, and others
Safavi's Role
Directly managed initiative
Key Impact
$29,030 raised for multiple global charities during COVID-19 lockdown
Project Overview
In response to the COVID-19 lockdown, Francesco Reza Safavi, Chairman of Safavi Philanthropic Initiative, embarked on an extraordinary challenge to simulate a solo climb of Mt. Everest entirely indoors. Without air-conditioning and under the guidance of Everest climber Mr. Khoo Swee Chiow, Mr. Safavi recreated the 29,030-foot ascent by climbing nearly 4000 flights of stairs in his Singapore home, raising $29,030 for global charities.
Beneficiary Profile
This initiative benefitted communities served by organizations including the Singapore Red Cross, Indonesia Red Cross, Conservation International, AMKFSC Community Services, One Girl, San Francisco Rock Project, and The Dipsea Race. These organizations support disaster relief, education, women’s empowerment, environmental protection, and youth development across Asia, Africa, and the U.S.
Please consider supporting them below:
Conservation International
Singapore Red Cross
Indonesia Red Cross
San Francisco Rock Project
AMKFSC Community Services Ltd.
One Girl
The Dipsea Race
Safavi's Role
This was a personally-led, directly managed initiative by Francesco Reza Safavi under the Safavi Philanthropic Initiative. The challenge was designed, executed, and funded entirely by Mr. Safavi, with strategic guidance from Mr. Khoo Swee Chiow to ensure realism and safety. All proceeds were directed to selected charities; no donations were solicited from the public.
“I had no idea that Camp 1 at a lower elevation is colder than Camp 2 because Camp 2 sits on rock instead of ice.”
Project Gallery
Photo Credit: The Singapore Indoor Everest Challenge
Impact Achieved
The climb raised $29,030 – symbolically mirroring Mt. Everest’s elevation – and provided financial support to a spectrum of charitable organizations. The challenge also brought global attention to the resilience and creativity of philanthropy during a pandemic, encouraging others to contribute in innovative ways.
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative exemplified Safavi Philanthropic Initiative’s commitment to turning personal challenges into opportunities for global impact. By choosing to act amid global uncertainty, the initiative not only addressed urgent humanitarian needs but also reinforced Safavi’s mission to engage future leaders and inspire collective action.
Future Outlook
Following the success of this indoor expedition, Mr. Safavi and Mr. Khoo are planning a climb of Lhotse in Nepal. The Safavi Philanthropic Initiative will continue to explore creative ways to drive awareness and raise funds for critical global causes.
