In an attempt to raise awareness and donations for Habitat Guatemala, Steve Cook (in blue) will be joining three other hikers in undertaking the feat of summiting all 37 volcanic peaks in Guatemala. «I’m really excited about the experience,» says Steve Cook. «I’ve been hiking volcanoes for several years in Guatemala and have spent time as a guide in some of the most beautiful places in the country, but this is a chance to do so for a great cause. I have the privilege of hiking for Habitat for Humanity Guatemala and am trying to get as many folks behind the cause of housing solutions as possible.»
On January 5th Steve, along with 3 friends, will set out on a trip across Guatemala that will expose them to every volcanic peak in the country (37 in total) in the course of 27 days. «That’s the first question I get asked often,» says Steve. «Doesn’t that mean we will have to spend some days climbing more than one peak? And the simple answer is – yes. We know it’s a challenge. But if it were easy, it wouldn’t be as fun.» In addition to their grueling schedule, the group will see 3 active volcanoes as well as Central America’s highest peak.
The team has already been published in Men’s Journal and are continuing to look for other ways to get their story to as many people as possible.
«At the end of the day, It’s going to be a huge challenge for us, but the end game for me is getting more people aware of some of the housing-solution challenges in Guatemala and what Habitat for Humanity is doing to partner with families in providing opportunites. If more people knew how affordable it was to provide a family with a real house to live in, or with clean water or a smokeless kitchen I think they would want to know how to be part of the solution.»
Steve is hoping people sponsor him via a donation to Habitat for Humanity Guatemala, either per volcano he climbs, or as a one time donation. «For just $130 a family can receive a new stove in their home that saves them from inhaling deadly chemicals, or for $73 a family can have a water filter that gives them clean drinking water. It’s that easy to make a difference.»
Want to get even more involved?
«Come join us for the fun,» Steve says. While the challenging schedule limits what hikes are open to the public, Steve and his companions hope to have friends and supporters join them on Volcanoes Acatenango, Chikabal and a huge closing ceremony on Volcan Pacaya on January 31st. Can’t make it then? «Just give me a call next time you are headed to Guatemala on a Global Village trip to build a house for a local family, and I’ll take you up a volcano.»
To follow Steve’s journey or give a donation you can visit 37in27’s website and Facebook page.
