Desiree Arrambide

It’s no secret that I’m quick to say yes to adventures and even more so when they enable me to be a part of an organization working to transform the lives of those in need. In 2014 I was introduced to Child Legacy International and The Clean Water Climb and by the end of the informational meeting I was committed to the trip and my life was forever changed. After a lot of strength training and fundraising we were off to Africa and my time in Tanzania and Malawi was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences but also one of the most difficult. Hiking 19,341’ is no easy feat but with each difficult step I reminded myself that the people of Malawi, women and children included, walk an average of 3.7 miles a day to get clean drinking water and have to carry up to 40lbs of water back to their villages.

After our climb we departed to Malawi to repair water wells, tell bible stories and I was able to see firsthand how Child Legacy was transforming the community by bringing clean water, food, healthcare, and education to Malawi. Spending time in Malawi was a life changing experience that I knew I wanted to be a part of for as long as I was able to.

A lot has changed in the 9 years that have gone by, I live in a different city, I work for a different company and last year I hiked to Mt. Everest Base Camp and raised $5,244 for well repairs in Malawi, Africa. What an accomplishment that was! But my biggest accomplishment is having my son who is now 6 and a half years old, and one thing that has remained the same is “I believe that those who are capable of, and able to help others, should help, such as in the case of the Well repair. A little goes a long way for many, for years to come. 

In January 2024 I will be hiking The “O” Circuit in Torres Del Pain Patagonia which is an 85 mile hike in 7 days. So why spend my free time hiking 85 miles? I do it because I feel that it is the perfect representation of the enormity of the water problem in Malawi, Africa. Access to clean water is considered to be a human right but in Malawi 1 in 3 people don’t have access to clean water, that’s 5.6 million people. Providing clean water to those who do not have it provides good health and allows communities to prosper!

My goal is $5,000 which is enough money to repair 4 water wells. I invite you to join me on this challenging climb by sponsoring my steps on my upcoming Patagonia hike, 100% of the proceeds will go to Child Legacy International, to help bring clean water to people of Malawi. The cost of the trip (flight and hiking expenses) will be paid for by myself. All donations are greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference for years to come!

Thank You for your support and God Bless!

Yours truly,

Desiree Arrambide