When participants in the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter signed up to take part in the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™’s 2025 fundraising trek, they knew they’d be tested. That’s the point, afterall – to step outside your comfort zone, to do something big, bold and brave. To see what you’re made of when circumstances get challenging.
And challenged they were. The struggles in the Cambodian wilderness came quickly and harshly for the 117 adventurous Royal LePage® professionals who travelled across the globe to participate.
Trekkers departed for five grueling days of hiking after a blessing by local monks. Photo credit WENU Media Production.
After being blessed by local monks, trekkers nervously set out on the first of nearly 100km they had ahead of them. Every step was hiked in sweltering temperatures and stifling humidity which made the days feel impossibly long. Debilitating blisters and painful heat rashes kept trekkers busy nursing their sore feet and itchy legs. And unforgiving jet lag had trekkers up at all hours of the night, fighting to get the rest they so desperately needed.
“We hiked through oppressive jungle heat and along treacherous mud trails; slept with exotic things that slithered, croaked and climbed; and got comfortable with a whole lot of doubt — and we did it together,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage. “I’m proud of this crew for pushing through a punishing challenge in Cambodia, and grateful for every donor who backed us,” he added. “Every step we took raised money for our beloved Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This wasn’t just a trek. It was a statement: we walk so others have a path toward safety and new beginnings.”
Trekkers crossing a flooded trail during the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter.
Keeping them going each day were stories of tragedy and survival. Every afternoon, a personal account of intimate partner violence was read aloud, each one experienced and written by a fellow trekker. These moments were both heartbreaking and healing and a daily reminder of everyone’s collective mission to help women and children find the safety, hope and healing they deserve.
“Reading these powerful letters each day recentered us,” said Tory Brown with Royal LePage® Estate Realty in Toronto, ON. “The brutal heat almost took me down on the first day. I truly had moments when I didn’t think I could go on. But after hearing the account of abuse and resilience experienced by someone walking alongside me, I knew I had to keep going. To keep hiking and to keep fundraising so that other women don’t need to experience this senseless violence.”
Trekkers gather for a short rest after a difficult climb during the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter. Photo credit: WENU Media Production.
As vehicle access was impossible along the rural route, a primitive farm tractor followed behind each group, carrying essential supplies. At the frequent rest stops, trekkers poured water over their heads and onto their necks and wrists in an attempt to cool down – if only for a few brief, but blissful moments. Always careful to keep their feet dry, boots came off quickly at each lunch stop, allowing trekkers to nervously check for signs of trouble and re-bandage any existing blisters before facing more hours of hiking in the punishing conditions.
Cambodia Challenge for Shelter trekkers putting in long hours on the trail. Photo credit: WENU Media Production.
Moving displays of camaraderie were on full display throughout the adventure. Carrying each other’s packs, sharing gear and first aid supplies, and offering a helpful hand, a pat on the back or a much-needed laugh were all daily occurrences. With the hiking taking place in four waves of participants spread three days apart on the trail, trekkers also welcomed the opportunity to leave notes for the groups which would follow them. These short, but powerful messages were a bright spot for those who needed them most and a beautiful opportunity for reflection and encouragement for those who left them.
After long days on the trail, trekkers gathered to commiserate and connect. Photo credit: Nicole Hacault with Royal LePage® Top Producers Real Estate in Winnipeg, MB.
As is always the case during the ‘Challenge for Shelter’ treks, new friendships were fast to form and existing bonds were strengthened on the trail. Doing something difficult has a magical way of bringing people of all walks of life together and making deeply meaningful connections.
“We come from cities, small towns, farms, villages—every corner of Canada,” said Ken Hrubeniuk with Royal LePage® Wright Choice Realty in Wainwright, AB. “We laugh together. We cry together. We cheer one another on. And somewhere along the way, we stop being a group and become a family. These bonds last a lifetime and they help you stand a little taller, smile a little brighter, and say with pride: ‘I am a Trekker.”
Trekkers expressing gratitude for the generosity of their donors.
Thankfully, the majestic views and an incredibly varied terrain made the time pass a bit more quickly. Participants trekked through dazzling green rice paddies and small villages, slept at beautiful temples and pagodos, ventured into the thick jungle, climbed to the top of Cambodia’s sacred mountain, and marveled at the Kulen waterfall. Spectacular monuments to Buddhism seemed to be around every turn before reaching the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat.
Trekkers show gratitude to Cambodia Challenge for Shelter sponsors, TD, Royal LePage, REM and Die Slo. Photo credit: Nicole Hacault.
As they pushed themselves physically and emotionally through the Challenge, trekkers were delighted by a Khmer culture many knew little about before landing in Siem Reap. A country with a devastating past, Cambodians have emerged from years of turbulence and trauma with a resilience and hope that trekkers found inspiring. Those caring for the team as guides, camp crew and cooking staff were remarkably kind and excited to show off both their country and their unmatched hospitality.
“From the very first step, the generosity of the Cambodian people was everywhere. Smiles, waves, high-fives, and letting us rest in the shade of their humble properties. It was a constant reminder of the importance of community,” said Maria Barreiro with Royal LePage® Atlantic in Halifax, NS.
Local performers sing and dance the trekkers across the finish line during the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter. Photo credit: WENU Media Production.
And finally – after five long days – a local band performed a traditional folk song, dancing the trekkers jubilantly across the finish line. Hugging and high-fiving, participants had a great deal to celebrate on top of their physical and mental accomplishment. Ultimately, this incredible team of fundraisers collected $1.6 million for the cause, bringing the grand total raised through the ‘Challenge for Shelter’ series to over $6.3 million. Raising over $56,000 and earning the title of this year’s Top Fundraiser was David Coccia with the Capstone Real Estate Professionals at Royal LePage® Royal City Realty in Guelph, ON.
Cambodia Challenge for Shelter Top Fundraiser, David Coccia shows off his accomplishment at an ancient temple. Photo credit: WENU Media Production.
“I feel so much gratitude having completed this trek. I’m thankful for each and every donor who supported me and our mission to make home a safe place for everyone,” said Coccia. “My amazing team and brokerage were also instrumental in this fundraising success, so I’d like to share this recognition with them. Lastly, I want to thank my trekmates for their kindness and care on the trail. There’s just no way to explain how special it was to cross the finish line together.”
Finish line tears after successfully completing the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter. Photo credit: WENU Media Production.
A bi-annual fundraiser, the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter follows in the footsteps of Royal LePage Shelter Foundation treks in Ecuador (2023), the Purcell Mountains (2021), Sahara Desert (2019), Iceland (2017), and Machu Picchu (2015). Participants pay 100% of their trekking and travel costs and must raise at least $6,000 to be eligible to take part. Those interested in participating in a future trek should stay tuned next year for the announcement of the top-secret destination for 2027.
Out of an abundance of gratitude, trekkers were proud to present a $10,000 donation from their fundraising to an organization in Cambodia dedicated to women’s safety, health and empowerment. Women’s Resource Center is a community-based organization in Siem Reap that provides a safe space for women and girls to learn, grow, and thrive.
The Challenge for Shelter is proudly sponsored by TD, Royal LePage, Real Estate Magazine, and Die Slo Sauces. To learn more about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation or to make a donation, visit rlp.ca/shelter.
