7 initiatives in MENA that are more than just money

We're all looking to change the world somehow. Luckily, we have some pretty amazing and inspirational initiatives that are already making a difference in the region. Trust me, they are more than just the money. From climbing mountains to raise funds for cancer patients to raising awareness around hearing loss, these 7 initiatives in the MENA region will definitely leave you inspired.

Climb For Cancer is a Dubai-based initiative founded by Nizar Fakhoury . The organization's mission is to support and advise people to climb mountains around the world in an effort to raise awareness for children suffering from cancer. The climbers are known to fund their own trips and are responsible for all other personal expenses. In 2015, the climbers took on Mount Elbrus in partnership with the Children Cancer Center of Lebanon.

De-Feet Runners is a group of 8 ultra-marathoner friends who run to raise donations for a different cause every year. In 2014, the group witnessed huge success with their De-Feet Cancer run as they did in 2015 with their "We Run, You Donate" run where the group ran 6 marathons in 6 consecutive days, crossing Lebanon's 8 provinces to raise funds for Heartbeat Association .

HQSF is a not-for-profit organization providing underprivileged, yet exceptionally talented and intellectual, Palestinian students the sufficient funding and resources to complete their higher education endeavors. HQSF believes in the power of education to revitalize Palestine. They have awarded 960 scholarships with $5,143,035 expended in total.

Since its start in 2004, Souk El Tayeb has worked to promote and preserve culinary traditions in Lebanon with the aim of promoting small-scale farmers whilst giving people the chance to explore real rural heritage. Souk El Tayeb's lunchtime eatery, Tawlet, ranked No. 8 in the world in 2015 .

Dubai Cares is a UAE-based philanthropic organization that has, over the past 8 years, successfully launched programs reaching over 14 million beneficiaries in 41 developing countries with access to quality primary education.

Founded by Ibrahim Safwat  in 2012, Cairo Runners is the first running initiative in Cairo. Their first-ever run took place in 2012, with over 60 runners taking part. Nowadays, the number of runners that participate in their weekly runs averages around 2,500. In 2015, the runners teamed up with many organizations including UN Women, UNICEF Egypt and Esma3ny to promote awareness for various causes such as International Women's Day and hearing loss in Egypt.

We all know of some indie band in the region that just doesn't have the exposure it deserves. This Palestinian startup wants to change that. Considering we live in a cluttered music world, the platform gives musicians and bands the right tools and services needed to help spread awareness and promote themselves to fans inside and outside the region.