Team Zold`s Leader, Shawn Zigelstein is going to trek in Cambodia for charity in October 2025!
During my previous hike, I told myself it would be my last – yet, when I learned about the upcoming Trek for Shelter in Cambodia, I felt compelled to once again offer my support for The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.
I'm delighted to announce that I've been chosen to contribute to this cause, helping to improve the lives of women and children across our nation.
This will be my fourth hike for Shelter, as I completed the Iceland Hike in 2017, the Sahara Hike in 2019, and the Ecuador Hike in 2023 (click on those to see pics from the great challenges we had).
Each of these treks were transformative experiences for me and my fellow participants. The knowledge that our team raised over $4.6 million to directly aid women and children escaping domestic violence is the most rewarding aspect of our journey.
As a real estate broker, my mission is to help clients find their ideal homes. I can't fathom ‘home’ being synonymous with fear and danger. Regrettably, on any given night in Canada, nearly 6,000 women and children seek refuge in emergency shelters because they are unsafe at home. Additionally, 300 are turned away each night due to full occupancy. Tragically, on average, every 6 days in Canada, a woman loses her life at the hands of her current or former partner. Many women resort to shelters because they are literally running for their lives.
In 2023, Canada has reported 127,082 victims of police-reported family violence—violence committed by spouses, parents, children, siblings, and extended family members—a rate of 362 victims per 100,000, the highest since 2009, when comparable data became available. Alarmingly, the rate was almost twice as high for girls (439) compared to boys (259). Women and girls disproportionately represented two-thirds (68%) of these victims, with their rate being more than double that of men and boys (549 versus 212 per 100,000).
I am determined to support these women and children by ensuring they have access to safe places and crucial services when they need them. They deserve our help and the optimism of a brighter future. Educating our youth about fostering healthy relationships is essential to breaking the cycle of family violence in Canada. Will you join me in making a difference?
In October 2025, I will embark on a five-day hike in Cambodia, trekking towards the stunning temples of Angkor Wat, in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and my local women's Shelter The Yellow Brick House! The days will be long, hot, and humid, accompanied by intense jet lag. I will forgo the comforts of home, sleeping in a small tent, using rustic bathroom facilities, and completely disconnecting from cell service and technology. This trek will be demanding, but immensely rewarding. Every step I take and every dollar I raise will support courageous women and children in my community who seek safety and hope for a life free from abuse.
Days will be long, hot, and humid and jet lag will be intense. I will be going without the comforts of home, sleeping in a small tent, using rustic bathroom facilities and unplugging completely from cell service and technology. This trek will not be easy but it will be immensely worthwhile. Each step I take and every dollar I raise will support courageous women and children in my community who are seeking safety and hope for a life free from abuse.
To be eligible to participate, I must raise at least $6,000 but I have set my goal to $15,000 aiming even higher!!!
This journey will not be easy and has already begun for me. I will prepare physically and mentally for months, covering all my own travel expenses and hosting several events for you and your families to enjoy, with, of course, the aim of raising more funds for this worthy cause.
On my previous treks to the Iceland, the Sahara Desert and the Ecuador, I had the opportunity to hear stories, from the women and children that have had life changing events who call the local shelters home.
Each dollar we raise and each step we take will make it easier for women and children in our communities to walk away from violence.
Click HERE to help me reach my fundraising goal. Thank you for your support!
Note: The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation issues tax receipts in February for all donations ($20+) made in the previous calendar year.
