A Salmon Arm realtor is getting set to embark on a challenging hike upon an active volcano in support of women鈥檚 shelters.

Tina Cosman will head to Ecuador in November to trek at high altitude in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and the Shuswap Area Family Emergency (SAFE) Society.

Cosman isn鈥檛 sure how many people are actually aware Royal LePage supports the Shelter Foundation and women鈥檚 shelters, but she wants people to know their offices and agents are continuously fundraising through special events and donate through their commissions.

鈥淥ur local SAFE Society is an organization I support and believe in,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s many non-profits in our area, they work tirelessly with limited resources through some very stressful situations.鈥�

The SAFE Society was established in 1979 by a group of women in the community who recognized the need for a women鈥檚 shelter and safe haven for women experiencing violence at home.

The Shelter Foundation was founded in 1998 and has grown to become Canada鈥檚 largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting women鈥檚 shelters and ending violence against women.

More than $41 million has been raised to help provide a new beginning to more than 50,000 women and children every year.

In an effort to help raise awareness, Cosman is embarking on the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter alongside several of her colleagues from across Canada, to help raise money for her local shelter and the Shelter Foundation.

鈥淒omestic violence exists in all communities and incidents have increased during and post pandemic,鈥� Cosman said.

鈥淭hese shelters, including our own SAFE Society, help support the victims including children, during an incredibly difficult time.鈥�

More than 100 Royal LePage hikers will travel to Quito, Ecuador, and make their way to the base of one of the world鈥檚 active volcanoes, nearly 4,000 metres above sea level, in four separate groups.

The hike will take place over a five-day stretch along difficult terrain and unpredictable alpine conditions.

Tents will be the only accommodation and there will be no cell phone service.

While the trek won鈥檛 be easy, it will be worthwhile, helping to raise funds for Canadian women鈥檚 shelters and programs to reduce family violence.

鈥淭his is going to be a huge challenge for me requiring months of training and discipline,鈥� Cosman said.

鈥淚鈥檓 very fortunate to have the life I have and my challenge pales in comparison to those dealing with domestic violence.鈥�

The Ecuador challenge is the fifth edition of the popular Challenge for Shelter trekking series in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, and the first one Cosman is participating in.

These events encourage real estate agents from across Canada to raise funds and train for a physically demanding adventure and travel experience.

Trekkers have previously hiked in Peru in 2015, Iceland in 2017, Morocco in 2019 and the Canadian Purcell Mountains in 2021, raising over $3 million combined for the Shelter Foundation along the way.

鈥淲hile the trek won鈥檛 be easy, it will be immensely worthwhile,鈥� said Carly Neill, fundraising and communications manager of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

鈥淓very dollar raised and every step taken will help make it easier for women and children to walk safely and bravely away from violence and gain hope for a future without abuse.鈥�

Cosman鈥檚 fundraising goal is $10,000 and she is hoping to exceed that mark.

She has raised just over $5,500 thus far, and 100 per cent of the funds will be donated to the SAFE Society and the Shelter Foundation, supporting domestic violence prevention programs across Canada, including those focused on youth, to help break the cycle of family violence.

Cosman is also asking the public to come train with her, offering free 鈥淭rek with Tina鈥� shirts to those who come out and join in on her training walks and hikes.

To donate or learn more, visit

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