This page will provide you details on my fundraiser and sending packages so that you can support my hike.
More than just a hike
It might seem difficult to walk 2,650 miles filled with blisters, sunburns, a heavy pack, loneliness, fatigue, and more. But you know what’s really difficult? Not knowing how you’ll pay for rent this month and if you’re going to end up on the street. I plan to go without a real home and hike every day for 5 months to help others stay in their homes. Will you help support me?
Helping real people in need
I volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) conference at Incarnation Catholic Church, which helps those in need in the Minneapolis area. We visit the homes of neighbors in need and provide funds to keep them in their homes, going to work, or putting food on the table.
I have visited Cathy, who has made the decision to go sober and start a new chapter of her life and needed funds to stay in her apartment until moving to the sobriety house. Rick and his girlfriend came to work one day only to find they were no longer employed. In the middle of finding new jobs, they needed help paying for rent.
Our funds quickly disappear, so sometimes we aren’t able to help our neighbors in need. That is a hard message to deliver. You can help!
Our conference is 100% volunteer-run, and all proceeds (aside from a processing fee) will go to people who need it.
Send me Packages!
I have been so touched by how many people have asked me if they can “send me a package” on the trail! The answer is yes. Here are some things to keep in mind and instructions.
First, Halfway Anywhere does a great job outlining what to include in a care package and advice for making the package stand out. Please read if you plan on sending a package!
What NOT to include:
- NUTS – I’m allergic! If a package says, “processed in a facility with nuts,” or something similar, then that’s ok.
- Meat – I’m generally pescatarian. I might not say no to jerky on trail but probably won’t want anything like Spam
- Heavy food items such as cans
- Perishable food items that require refrigeration
- Gear – see Halfway Anywhere’s advice on gear. I anticipate getting my own
- Anything heavy I’ll have to carry
Some ideas on what to send:
- Cards, letters, art that I can read then send home for later
- A playlist for the trail (e.g., a link to a Spotify playlist in an email)
- Food 🙂 see my wishlist:
- Gourmet dried or freeze-dried fruits I wouldn’t splurge on myself
- Did someone say dried mangoes? Did someone say Trader Joe’s spicy dried mangoes?!
- Goji berries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Banana chips
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Yogurt-covered pretzels
- Dehydrated backpacker meals
- Homemade baked goods to share with trail friends
- Dehydrated hummus
- Dehydrated eggs
- LMNT (pronounced “element”) electrolyte packets
- Powdered milk
- Gourmet energy bars (remember no nuts!)
- See some general backpacking food ideas
- Gourmet dried or freeze-dried fruits I wouldn’t splurge on myself
Where to send it?
Sign-up for my map updates to find out when I will be where. The map contains a draft schedule which will update as I go. Watch out for opening hours (listed on the map) for stops.