Vince and Monica Strawbridge were inspired to ask each of their children, “If you could raise money for anything in the world with this hike, what would it be?”

To support one of the six causes, visit their website at trek2650.com.

This summer, Lakeland residents Vince and Monica Strawbridge and their four children will set out on a 2,650-mile journey southbound along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), from the Canadian border to Mexico. The family has dedicated their walk to six specific causes and will make it possible for others to follow along on their adventure.

In recent years, the Strawbridge family has hiked trails along the West Coast. But the idea to walk the entire PCT took root while backpacking with friends, when Vince and Monica developed an appreciation for “reconnecting to the bigger rhythms of life through nature,” as they share on their website. The family explains that it truly never feels like the “right” time to do something like this, but that this year is as good as any other; so why not now?

Active in the Lakeland community, Vince and Monica Strawbridge were inspired to ask each of their children, “If you could raise money for anything in the world with this hike, what would it be?” Each family member has dedicated efforts to raising money for a cause of their choosing with the trek. Aiden, their oldest, wants to give to fight human trafficking and slavery. June is eager to give kids from Nicaragua soccer balls and T-shirts of their own during their annual summer camp. Henry desires to give to building homes in Nicaragua. Georgie is walking for pastors to have access to further biblical studies and training. Monica, mother of the Strawbridge children, seeks to support reconciliation right here in Lakeland in the Parker Street Neighborhood. And Vince looks forward to supporting children in Polk County who aspire to play organized soccer but may be lacking the finances.

The Strawbridge family will leave their home in late June or early July and head south along the melted snow at Hart Pass. They aspire to continue out of the southern Sierras by October and complete their travels among Mexico’s border, hiking a total of 2,650 miles. Their family welcomes you to join them on their trek through GPS, their blog, and vlog.

For more information, or to support one of the six causes, visit their website at trek2650.com.