MINDEMOYA—Leanne Lewis completed the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter that provided her a true-life lesson.

“The country is very humble,” Ms. Lewis told The Expositor. “It is a third world country, but the people are very happy. The people are so friendly, nice and welcoming. When we were walking through, kids would wave and say hello with big smiles on their faces. We all need to look at what we really need, we can all live with less. People in Cambodia certainly do. The average wage for those working in the country is $6 per day.” 

“I completed the challenge,” stated Ms. Lewis, who noted the challenge was approximately 100 kilometres in length over five days. “Overall, I feel good, and physically I’m fine, my feet blistered (on the trek), but that is normal.”

Ms. Lewis took part in a similar challenge in Ecuador in 2023. She was one of 120 Royal Lepage agents across Canada taking part in this year’s challenge, applying in the fall of 2024 and finding out she was one of the people chosen for this challenge in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Ms. Lewis said the hot conditions made the challenge difficult. “There was one day it was 37° Celsius, but every day the humidity was always at 90°.”

“I didn’t really like the food,” said Ms. Lewis. “We were served rice for every meal,” she said noting, “I didn’t try the mock fish,” she said. Fortunately, she had brought lots of snack foods on the trip.  

“For three of the four nights we spent the night at different monasteries,” said Ms. Lewis, noting bucket showers were the norm, and the toilet facilities were less than admirable.

On the five-day challenge walkers saw a lot of wildlife including tarantulas, dead snakes water buffalo and many more. 

“We would walk nine kilometres through rice paddies and then come up to a home,” said Ms. Lewis. She noted at every home you could find chickens and cows.

On day one of the challenge, “I started my journey at Chao Srei Vibol Temple, trekking 20 kllometres through rice paddies, local villages and sacred pagodas, finishing the day camping at the serene Wat Preah Bat Bunthan.”

On day two, “We woke at sunrise alongside local monks, then travelled 19.5 kilometres across lush paddy fields with incredible views of Mount Kulen, ending the day exploring the mysterious Beng Mealea Temple ruins. This was my toughest day,” stated Ms. Lewis. “It was extremely hot with no shelter or shade and absolutely no breeze. I’ve never been so hot in my life!”

On day three, “Today I tackled a 22 kilometre climb up the sacred Mount Kulen, gaining 250 metres in elevation and taking in breathtaking views over forests and fields for the plateau. After lunch in the small, stilted village of Anlong Thom, I ended the day camping riverside, sleeping under the stars. This was my favourite day!”

“Although it was probably the most challenging physically as we climbed up the mountain, the shade was welcoming and there was a bit of a breeze now and then,” said Ms. Lewis. “This was an emotionally tough day as one of our trekkers had to be taken down the mountain on a rustic tractor and wagon with a possible heart issue. Thankfully, he was okay and joined us again on the last day.”

Day four was a 23.5 kilometre walk. “I kicked off day four with a breathtaking hike to the mountaintop Big Buddha, followed by visits to the Kulen Mountain Waterfall and the River of 1000 Lingas, where ancient Hindu carvings decorate the riverbed. The day wrapped up with a scenic trek through local villages, schools and pagodas before reaching our campsite.”

Day five of the challenge meant “the grand finale of my incredible trek,” said Ms. Lewis. “Today kicked off with a scenic hike up Phnom Bok, followed by a fun tuk tuk ride straight to the stunning Angkor Wat. I climbed the iconic central spire for jaw-dropping views, then spent the afternoon exploring the magical jungle ruins of Ta Prohm, yep, the one from Tomb Raider!”

Ms. Lewis noted every morning the challenge trekkers would wake up at 5:30 am with breakfast at 6 am and off on our trek by 7 am. “I received incredible support from Manitoulin and Sudbury business as well as the general public.” A celebratory dinner and music show was held at the end of the trek for the participants. The walkers were welcomed at the finish line by traditional music and dancers.  

Ms. Lewis noted she had received sponsorship on all five days of the challenge trek, including Wahl’s Water on day one, $500; DR Signs on day two for $500; Poulson Law. $1,000 on day three; day four, The Island Animal Hospital for $500; and Swing Bridge Property Management, $500 on her final day. 

“I’ve done really well with fundraising for the walk,” said Ms. Lewis. “Thus far (as of last week) I have raised $23,742 dollars (far surpassing her goal of $10,000) thanks to tremendous support from so many people and businesses. It has been crazy the support I have received.” She now stands 13th in all of Canada for fundraising.”

“It was a very successful event,” continued Ms. Lewis. “The local community is always great,” she said, noting 80 percent of the funds she raised is going to the Manitoulin Family Resources women’s shelter, and 20 percent toward education.” She paid for her trip and travel expenses to and from Cambodia, as well as being required to raise at least $10,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. 

Ms. Lewis will be fundraising until the end of December.