Nevertheless, a large group of over 135 sporty people on Oct. 20, stood ready at “Desert Rock” to set out for a walk at 2 p.m., withstanding the still-scorching sun. The group had a goal: to raise funds for pediatric cancer patients.

The event, under the name of “Hike for a Cause, Hike for Cancer!” was organized by Jeddah’s BackPack, an initiative of two young people.

“Jeddah’s BackPack Group tries to organize an activity every month,” co-founder Ameer Mohammed told Arab News. “This can be any activity you use a backpack with, such as hiking, running, cycling, or even climbing.”

Not only varying activities, Jeddah’s BackPack aims to raise funds for different causes and helps attain a brighter future for individuals or groups who need support. This first hike was for two children — Ahmed from Palestine and Iraqi girl Huda — who need money for their medical treatments. Four-year-old Ahmed suffers from leukemia. His treatment will take three years with a cost of $70,000. Huda, who is 10 years old, suffers from neuroblastoma, a nerve and tissue cancer in the adrenal gland. She has already undergone several chemotherapy sessions, but needs a further $42,000 to continue treatment.

The trip was in support of “Climb for Cancer,” a charitable initiative that was developed to help amateur hikers to travel across the world and climb mountain peaks in order to raise money for pediatric cancer patients.

The activity not only included a hike. Afterward, there was time to rest and enjoy a delicious barbecue, provided by the main sponsor of the event, Juicy Burger.

The participants were very enthusiastic about the trip. “The spirit was just great!” said one of them. Everyone thanked each other for the “amazing time” they had. They were grateful to have been part of this experience and thanked initiators Ameer Mohammed and Dania Al-Masri for the organization of the whole trip.

The organizers are already thinking about the next activity. “A trip in December may be held to collect money for scholarships for kids in Palestine, to raise money for needy families in South Jeddah or to help impoverished widows. We are still busy planning it,” said Mohammed.

Whatever the next cause may be, it is likely going to be an even bigger success, as those who participated in the hike for cancer are eager to take up their backpack again for another good cause.