I recently returned from Cambodia after one of the most demanding and meaningful experiences of my life: The Cambodia Challenge for Shelter in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and locally here in Ottawa, Harmony House.
Over the course of several days, our group trekked just under 100 kilometres through heat, humidity, and landscapes that were as beautiful as they were unforgiving.It was a long way from home in every sense. The travel itself was grueling, the conditions were basic, and the heat was relentless. But every step had purpose, and that made all the difference.
The trek tested my endurance. We were on our feet for 7-10 hours per day in 100% humidity, sweat dripping even before the day began. Bathrooms were essentially holes in the ground, showers were buckets of cold water, and sleep was interrupted by roosters, fellow trekkers, strange noises and unfamiliar surroundings.
Cambodia itself is breathtaking: lush, vibrant, and full of life. Villagers welcomed us with smiles, children waved and tested out their English, asking us “what’s your name?” as we passed. The food was simple but flavourful. There’s a rhythm to life there that’s both humbling and grounding. We slept in different camps each evening, several in Buddhist monasteries and one by the River of a Thousand Lingas, also known as the “holy river”.
Between the physical effort and the cultural immersion, I was constantly reminded how privilege and gratitude can coexist. We take so much for granted, like clean water, flush toilets, air conditioning, and comfortable beds. This trip stripped all of that away, leaving only the essentials: people, purpose, and connection.
There were moments on the trail when emotion caught up with me. Every day we read a letter from a fellow Royal LePage colleague who had experienced intimate partner violence. It underscored the importance of our fundraising efforts - as a group of trekkers we raised over $1.6 million.
As a Realtor, I spend my days helping people move houses, but this experience reframed what “home” means. Home isn’t just walls and a roof. It’s safety, dignity, and peace of mind. That’s what the Shelter Foundation makes possible, and walking those kilometres and hearing the personal stories from colleagues brought that truth to life in a way statistics never could.
One of the most unexpected gifts of this trip was the people. I met Royal LePage colleagues from across Canada, strong, compassionate individuals who share the same belief that our work can be a force for good.We bonded quickly, often over blistered feet, shared snacks, and close quarters. These new friendships go beyond professional connections and hysterically funny moments along the road. Together we formed a network of like-minded people who care deeply about helping others, and that sense of community made the harder moments lighter.
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation funds women’s shelters and domestic violence prevention programs across the country. Every dollar raised directly supports families who need a safe place to land. 80% of the funds I raised stay right here in Ottawa at Harmony House. The rest goes to the national prevention efforts.
Why It Mattered to Me Right Now
This experience came at a time of change in my life. And I wanted to reconnect with purpose, push my limits, and contribute in a meaningful way. It was about more than physical endurance; it was about gratitude, growth, and perspective.The Cambodia Challenge reminded me how fortunate I am to have stability, a strong community, and a platform to make an impact. Would I do it again? Without question. This experience was raw, challenging, and life-changing.Thank you
To everyone who supported me through donations, encouragement, or kind messages — thank you. You were with me every step of the way.If you’d still like to contribute, it’s not too late. DONATEIf you’re a Royal LePage real estate agent, I can’t recommend this experience enough. If you love travelling, I highly recommend exploring Cambodia.