In May 2024, we traveled to South Upi, Philippines to support a local indigenous community that far up in the mountains that lacks access to electricity and clean running water. Our mission centered around Tumbaga Elementary School, which serves nearly 200 students. We shipped in essential resources including generators, computers, projectors, books, school supplies, and an abundance of clothing and footwear for the children—boots, shoes, socks, and more.

We also provided footwear for the volunteers who supported us and hired local carpenters, ensuring they were well-fed while working. For an entire month, we dedicated our vacation to being on-site eight hours a day, overseeing the project to keep everything on track. Although this meant we didn't get to enjoy the Philippines in the traditional sense, it was rewarding to see the impact firsthand.

By the time we had to return to Canada, we had completed 80% of the work and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the progress madee.