Trek Relief Featured on Business of Giving: From One Trek to a Global Mission
We were thrilled to have Candice Young, the executive director of Trek Relief, invited as a guest on the "Business of Giving" podcast with Denver Frederick. The episode, titled "The Langtang Moment: How One Nepal Trek Became a Blueprint for Impact Travel," explored how one person's spontaneous act of compassion evolved into a global movement that connects adventure with authentic, community-led impact.
The Langtang Moment: A Founding Story of Purpose
The story of Trek Relief began in Nepal's Langtang Valley, which was devastated by the 2015 earthquake. While trekking, Candice was stunned by the destruction and moved by the generosity of the survivors she met, who had so little but still offered meals and hospitality. She discovered that because the region was remote and less populated, it hadn't received as much aid as other areas.
This experience inspired her to post a simple message on social media: a call for people to join her in Nepal to "really use the help". What started as a personal fundraising goal of $10,000, challenged and raised to $50,000 by a trekking partner who happened to be a professor of crowdfunding, was reached in just eight months. This effort led to 40 friends and family joining her and raising an incredible 33% over the goal, culminating in the rebuilding of a school. This moment cemented a model for purpose-driven travel and became the foundation for Trek Relief.
→ Learn about us: About Trek Relief
The Trek Relief Model: Community-Led Change
Trek Relief’s model is a conscious departure from traditional voluntourism. The organization's key philosophy is that every project is driven by what local communities actually request, not what outsiders think they need. This "boutique" approach empowers travelers to step into leadership roles, with opportunities for participants to eventually become trip leaders or even program directors.
The organization also prioritizes fostering authentic cultural connections. This includes preparing participants with information on local customs and, in many cases, arranging homestays with local families. This deeper engagement allows travelers to build meaningful relationships and experience a "gift and receive" dynamic, where the exchange goes beyond a simple transaction.
→ See Upcoming Trips: Volunteer treks and programs
Impact in Action: From Everest to Patagonia
The podcast highlighted several powerful examples of Trek Relief's impact:
Medical Support in the Everest Region: In a project near Everest, the team was able to fulfill a doctor's entire wish list for a primary healthcare center that had been destroyed. This included bringing the region's first-ever dental chair and other critical medical equipment, with the project growing to outfit three other nearby health posts due to overwhelming support.
Nepal Climate Resiliency Program: Arising from a COVID-19 relief fundraiser, this program provided greenhouse supplies to families in the mountains to promote food sovereignty. The initiative was strategically designed to promote women's leadership, which led to the unexpected and beautiful outcome of a woman being elected to the district seat for the first time.
Adapting During the Pandemic: When travel was halted, Trek Relief showed incredible adaptability. A teammate quarantined in Patagonia received a grant to continue a local project, and a major online fundraiser was launched for COVID relief in Nepal. This resilience led to new partnerships and even a grant from Patagonia Inc., proving that adversity can lead to beautiful outcomes.
The Future of Purposeful Travel
Candice shared her boldest dream for the future: to see more people step into leadership and create programs in new countries like Ghana, Indonesia, and Mexico. The goal is to scale the model in a way that remains organic and sustainable, ensuring no one is burnt out and the focus on community-led projects remains at the forefront.
The conversation concluded with a powerful invitation: for those who feel that "just another trip" is not enough, Trek Relief offers a way to travel with a deeper sense of purpose. It's an opportunity to give back and to connect with something meaningful, a sentiment that resonates with all of us who seek more from our adventures.
Listen to the full interview
Hear the whole story, including practical tips for first-time impact travelers and what’s next for Trek Relief.
🎧 Business of Giving with Denver Frederick: The Langtang Moment: How One Nepal Trek Became a Blueprint for Impact Travel
