In November, a small group of big-hearted mountain hikers are set to lace up their boots in the Dominican Republic. They plant to hike to the summit of the Caribbean’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, over a five day trip, according to a news release.
This is no endurance race or record attempt. Instead, it’s a mindful journey that invites participants to connect with things that matter most — things like clean running water at home.
The Water For All Trek is an annual hike and fundraiser started by Continental Fresh, an importer of fresh produce with a mission to bring clean water and sanitation to rural Latin American communities. Since starting its Water For All initiative, Continental Fresh says a portion of its produce sales has helped to connect more than 36,700 people to clean water. The work is done in partnership with Blue Missions, which uses 100% of Continental Fresh donations to build gravity-driven aqueducts that bring faucets to every home, the release says.
The annual trek to the top of Pico Duarte complements the everyday efforts of Continental Fresh in a variety of ways. The event not only raises visibility for the Water For All mission but also provides an opportunity to witness the impact in the communities it serves. Amid campfires and camaraderie, the group spends time with rural residents who benefit from clean water and sanitation projects. They meet mothers who no longer need to walk for hours to fetch clean water. They talk to children who can spend more time in school. They hear from farmers who spend more of the day in the field instead of on a footpath.
As Continental Fresh and its mission have grown, so has the event. Today, the Water For All Trek brings together friends and family of Continental Fresh, along with producers, industry partners, hikers and adventurers. All of them are united by belief in Water For All and help to raise thousands for the cause, the release says. In the weeks before the five-day trip, hikers gather support from friends, family and colleagues with the help of a personalized fundraising page and resources from Blue Missions, where everyone commits at least $750. Every dollar raised goes straight into Blue Missions’ water and sanitation projects.
The hike, scheduled for Nov. 21-25, demands effort but gives back perspective, the release says. For miles on Pico Duarte, hikers talk, laugh and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of one of the most scenic spots in the Dominican Republic. While the summit at Pico Duarte is incredible, what stays with the group is the impact they’ve made; trekkers often describe the experience as life-changing. It’s proof that small steps, when taken together, can change lives and futures for communities in need, the release says.
The trek is one way that people can take part in bringing the Water For All mission to life. Another is as simple as choosing fresh produce. By looking for the Water For All label, anyone can turn routine shopping into progress for communities.
“The mountain spotlights our mission, but our produce keeps it moving all year,” the release says.
