“Water is the basic foundation of a community,” said Perez. “Many young family members walk hours to collect it and oftentimes the water they find is not safe to drink. Without clean water, families are locked in cycles of poverty, sickness and low education levels. By funding water projects in rural communities, we are taking a huge step in breaking the poverty trap while bringing empowerment, health, and opportunity to local communities.”
To date, BLUE Missions has connected 33,684 people to clean water and completed 229 clean water and sanitation projects across Latin America.
In 2023, 37 hikers raised $69,719 for BLUE Missions. Perez is confident in the growth of both numbers this fall. “We are hearing great interest in this year’s trek! I’m optimistic that we will double our support for BLUE Missions with funds raised — and matched — across the produce industry,” said Perez.
To learn more about Continental Fresh, and to participate or donate to the trek, visit https://www.continentalfresh.com/.