After nearly two years, we’ve completed our first trip since the pandemic began, carefully following the principles of conscious travel that guide all Trek Relief programs.

This trip marked a significant milestone: the long-awaited School Handover Ceremony, originally scheduled for April 2020, was finally held—19 months later. As Nepal reopened its borders and lifted quarantine requirements, the dire need for jobs and economic stimulation became clear. Restarting our trips was a step toward supporting Nepal’s struggling tourism economy.

“I felt a huge shift in Trek Relief’s direction here,” shared Candice Young, our Founder and Executive Director, after attending the COP26 Climate Change Conference in Scotland.

Originally a disaster response movement, Trek Relief is evolving to address one of the most significant drivers of natural disasters: climate change. Candice’s experience at the conference underscored the urgency of global action, especially after attending a powerful panel discussion featuring Nepalese climate advocates.

This year, our Annual Board Retreat brought together 10 of our core team members to discuss the future of Trek Relief and how we can resume our international trips in a thoughtful and conscientious way during these pandemic times.

After the challenges of 2020 and the cancellation of last year’s retreat, this gathering was an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and reimagine how we can continue to fulfill our mission while prioritizing safety and responsibility.

Just over a month ago, we concluded our Covid Relief Campaign and Fundraiser for Nepal, and we’re thrilled to share the progress your generosity has made possible. Together, our incredible community of supporters raised $25,728, surpassing our $25,000 goal!

Thanks to your contributions and our ongoing partnership with The Small World Nepal, we’ve already completed the first phase of the relief efforts, providing critical resources to Nepali communities during these challenging times.

The Covid-19 pandemic has touched every corner of the globe, and Trek Relief was no exception. While our ability to engage directly with global communities has been limited, our mission to create meaningful change has remained steadfast.

As Nepal battles a devastating second wave of COVID-19, the need for urgent support has never been greater. At Trek Relief, we believe in stepping up for the communities that have welcomed us with open arms, and this moment is no exception.

At Trek Relief, our mission to create meaningful change continues, no matter the challenges we face. While the pandemic has limited our ability to run trips in Patagonia due to border restrictions, it hasn’t stopped us from moving forward with our transformative projects.

Thanks to the support of our community, our Board of Directors approved $10,000 in funding to keep the Patagonia program thriving. With our dedicated Patagonia Program Director, Sarah Nguyen, safely quarantining in the region, and the collaboration of local partners, the work is advancing seamlessly.

Jay’s passion for service and dedication to creating positive change have already made a lasting impact. As a generous donor, a participant in our inaugural Patagonia trip, and a standout fundraiser, Jay has proven himself to be an invaluable part of our community.

In early 2020, Trek Relief launched a transformative project in Chilean Patagonia, bringing sustainable development and environmental stewardship to the Villa Cerro Castillo community. Despite the year’s challenges, the results have been nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a recap of the incredible progress made through our “Clean Point” recycling infrastructure at Liceo Rural School.