By: Elaine Kam

It was dark, cold and halfway around the world in a tent without indoor plumbing – believe it or not, I chose to be there! My Gobi Desert trek was both cruel and kind. The harsh conditions and collective effort taught me the importance of community, perseverance, and safe water.

In October 2016, I trekked 100 km across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia to fundraise for WaterAid with my colleagues at HSBC.  Some said I was tempting fate again – this was, after all, my second desert trek.  My first was in 2013, when I walked 100 km across the Sahara in Morocco.  Crazy or not, both were worth every step. From the two events, I raised over CAD $13,000 for WaterAid.

Elaine Kam stops to take a photo in the Gobi Desert. Photo credit: Elaine Kam

Community

I did not plan and go to the Gobi Desert alone and could not have completed the journey alone.  This trip, like the Sahara one, was organized as a grassroots initiative within HSBC, the international bank where I work. We connected a group of HSBC employees worldwide who shared a common purpose: to challenge ourselves and fundraise for WaterAid. Despite not knowing each other when we signed up in 2015, we committed as a group to support WaterAid, take time off, pay our way, and turn up in Mongolia the next year.

Perseverance

From October 8 to 12, 2016, we traversed ice gorges, desert plains and sand dunes under sub-zero temperatures. In the challenging outdoor environment, our group experienced new levels of mental and physical demands, and we soon saw how important it was to look after and encourage each other.  Individually, we were vulnerable, but together we were strong. We finished the 100 km after 5 days in high spirits, as one team!

Safe water

During the week, we slept in communal gers – traditional Mongolian round tents – with no showers or proper toilets.  I know I signed up for this, but it was still a shock to suddenly live without indoor plumbing! We all saw firsthand the impact of clean water on daily life, without modern luxuries.  My experience shone a spotlight on just how critical WaterAid’s work is to providing clean water and sanitation to those in need.

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who wished me well, provided advice, and gave generously through donations to WaterAid. Together, we are transforming lives. One hundred HSBC employees from 22 countries participated in the Gobi Desert trek and collectively raised USD $300,000 for WaterAid.  I was the only one travelling from Canada and am proud to have been part of this dedicated group pulling together for a cause we care about.  The desert is a powerful teacher.