Trek for Change: A Journey to Inspire & Give Back

We need your support. By donating to our cause, you’ll be directly contributing to vital community projects around the globe. As a special thank-you, we’ll send you a personalized voice message sharing the inspiration your support brings us & also share the exact strategy we used to become financially free to travel full-time.

Join us, and let’s make a difference together—one step at a time.

Our goal is to raise $3,000, and donors will have the option to choose which organization their contribution supports. You can find an overview of these organizations & the links to their websites below. If you'd like your funds to go to one specific organization, please specify the organization in the comments section of the donation page.

This trek will be entirely self-funded, and 100% of all donations will go directly to the organizations we’re supporting. We’re grateful for your support in helping us advance causes that make a lasting impact. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

About the Organizations:

1. Children of Medellín , founded in 2008, started with soccer as a tool to engage street children in Medellín, Colombia. The foundation offers a comprehensive program of sports, education, and cultural activities to over 500 children and their families, helping them pursue their dreams and achieve a better future. Located at "El Paraiso," the foundation also focuses on community involvement, with volunteers from various countries contributing to its mission. Their vision is to empower children to become leaders and agents of positive change in their communities.

Having spent time at the Children of Medellin community center, we were able to see the variety of programs and activities that they offer to support the children in the lowest income neighborhood in Medellin. They provide recreational sports & activities, education like English classes, job support, & leadership programs for young adults. The vast majority of their employees are from within the local communities which is also helping to bring jobs and opportunities to these communities.

2. Rise Above Cebu , since November 2000, has worked to improve the lives of underprivileged communities in Cebu, Philippines. Through educational programs, livelihood training, and health initiatives, they empower individuals to overcome poverty. The organization also facilitates volunteer opportunities and dental missions, providing free treatment and education. Their mission is to improve quality of life for those in need, focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods to help Cebuanos face future challenges. Volunteers and donations play a vital role in supporting their ongoing efforts.

We spent a few days with Rise Above helping cook meals for the community, play with the children &are even sponsoring a child from elementary school through high school (school fees, books, uniforms, meals, etc). We were really impressed by Rise Above's approach to meeting immediate needs through food supply & a safe place to play but also trying to solve the systemic issue of poverty in the Cebu community through educational sponsorships, providing jobs for mothers, & other programs.

3. GiGi's Playhouse is a non-profit dedicated to changing the way the world views Down syndrome and promoting global acceptance for all. With a vision to create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are embraced in their families, schools, and communities, GiGi’s Playhouse provides free, life-changing educational, therapeutic, and career development programs. Operating over 61 locations across the U.S. and Mexico, with plans to expand globally, the organization serves over 30,000 individuals of all ages. GiGi’s Playhouse offers a lifetime commitment to families, empowering them with the tools and support they need to help their loved ones succeed.

We are really passionate about supporting people with disabilities because Thera's youngest sister, Amrei, has Down Syndrome. We visited several Gigi's Playhouse locations during our 3 month roadtrip through the US & saw firsthand the impact that the centers have on the local community.

4. Village Pilote is an NGO in Senegal, dedicated to defending children's rights since 1993. With a focus on taking children off the streets and supporting their journey toward sustainable autonomy, the organization provides comprehensive care to 400 young people annually, aged 3 to 25, at the Lac Rose Ecovillage in Senegal. Through its advocacy efforts, Village Pilote raises awareness of human rights in civil society, both in Africa and Europe.

The name "Village Pilote" is inspired by the African proverb "It takes a whole village to raise a child," reflecting the organization's belief that all members of society have a role in nurturing young people. At the Lac Rose Reception Center, Village Pilote creates an inspiring, adaptable model for children's development, offering a safe haven for those in need.

Their goal is for the center to be a place of inspiration and act as a “pilot” that is adaptable throughout the world.

5. The Blue Army , founded in 1995, is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating ocean plastic pollution. Through cleanups, advocacy, and awareness initiatives, it has mobilized 9,600 volunteers over the years, contributing over 76,000 working hours. The organization has removed more than 1,550 tons of waste from Iceland’s environment, leading over 300 successful projects to protect nature.

We joined The Blue Army for a beach cleanup during our time in Iceland. We're passionate about their grassroots efforts because they not only help restore the environment for both people and wildlife, but also educate others on the importance of environmental conservation.

6. Palau Red Cross Society is a humanitarian organization founded on July 31, 1997, by the Palau National Congress. PRCS is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable, alleviating human suffering, and promoting dignity and peace. The Society offers disaster response, health services, and community resilience programs throughout Palau. PRCS aims to foster inclusivity and transparency while building a more resilient future for Palau's communities.

We visited the Palau Red Cross & were able to participate in their community outreach program during the community Christmas party. We handed out goodie bags for the children to spread awareness about the resources & programs that the Red Cross provides in Palau.