Help Alika Salvage His Beloved Van, Pépé, From Fire Damage

Hello family and friends. I am Jay, Alika's wife. Yesterday Alika's beloved van, Pépé, experienced catastrophic damage caused by an accidental battery fire. The interior of the van is almost completely destroyed. The loss at this point is difficult to even comprehend. Alika’s insurance does not cover fire damage. We are keeping the goal of the fundraiser small, but the actual cost to fix the damage will easily top $20,000. All rebuilding work will be at a direct cost to Alika.

Pépé, like Alika, is not at all ordinary. Alika bought Pépé from the mainland over 10 years ago, and it was the beginning of a dream put into reality. The van itself was an incredible find. Near mint condition, 15K miles, kept in a garage for decades with no rust, damage, or mechanical issues. Alika got the van, converted it to tdi and customized it to be the off-roading, internet famous, incredible camper-van it is today. The van has travelled all across the Hawaiian islands, and was the central feature of his trip in 2021 with Luna from California to Panama and back. It has been covered in international news outlets (https://expeditionportal.com/featured-vehicle-alika-vaquers-vw-t3-syncro/) and has hosted countless family and friends over the years. In short, Pépé is amazing, just like Alika.

Anyone who knows Alika knows how much he gives to others. There are so many nights I hear him enthusiastically typing on his computer while I try to sleep, writing long messages to van friends or even internet strangers offering detailed and extensive help on VW related issues. He will drop everything to answer a call from a friend who needs advice or help. Even his Instagram stories documenting every inch of work and repairs he does to other's vans is a way that he gives his expertise back to the world. He cares so much for his community, and I know the community cares about him too. I know that’s why so many of you reached out to me to ask how you could help. I made this GoFundMe to let folks who want to show support have an easy, low-pressure way to do so.

Anything you have to give would be greatly appreciated. The money would go into a van fund I will create and manage and be used directly on the repairs and work to bring Pépé back to his original glory. The damage is luckily NOT into the engine and Pépé still runs and can be rehabilitated with the elbow-grease, support of friends, and knowledge and passion from Alika I know you all know he has. Thank you all for your caring words of support thus far.