Want to help Ukraine relief efforts — and get some one-of-a-kind climbing holds made by Adam Ondra? The auction kicks off on October 17.
This article was originally published on GearJunkie.
One of the world’s best-known rock climbers just started a new project: helping Ukraine. Next Monday, Adam Ondra will auction off eight climbing holds through an online platform. Ondra made the holds himself, climbed on them, and signed them.
All proceeds from the auction go to Memory of Nations, a fundraiser for sending equipment that “saves lives and increases safety of Ukraine’s defenders.”
Russia invaded Ukraine in February of this year, initiating a protracted war that has only intensified. Thus far, nearly 30,000 people have died, with 14 million more displaced, according to Reuters.
“From time to time, there comes a moment when people need to be united for a higher purpose,” Ondra said in a short video posted to his YouTube channel this week.
“That’s why I put my hands to work, cast, and signed eight climbing holds during my first visit to the Euroholds headquarters. I hope you will enjoy them! It will support the people of Ukraine, who are suffering from a cruel war.”
Czech Republic continues to aid Ukraine
While Ondra’s native Czech Republic doesn’t share a border with Ukraine, both countries have a long and complicated history with Russia. Both nations were part of the Soviet Union until it dissolved in 1991.
Like many other NATO countries, the Czech Republic has sent supplies and weapons to aid Ukraine. To date, Czech leaders have delivered €45 million in arms to the embattled country — despite Russian protests.
The Memory of Nations fundraiser chosen by Ondra has already raised nearly €14 million. To help them, the eight holds made by Ondra include:
- Small Yellow PU Hold “Kyiv” – Top Hold
- Big Yellow PU hold “Kharkiv” – Hold 4
- Small Yellow PU hold “Bucha” – Hold 3
- Small Yellow PU hold “Luhansk” – Hold 2
- Big Yellow PU hold “Mariupol” – Start Hold
- Small Yellow PU hold “Kherson” – Hold 1
- Small Yellow PU hold “Sevastopol” – Foot Hold Left
- Small Yellow PU hold “Donetsk” – Foot Hold Right
Are you interested in the auction? Start placing your limits now, or wait until the live online auction begins Monday, October 17 at 8 p.m. CEST.
