Maine Grandmother to Launch Solo Kayak Trek to Guatemala [VIDEO]

A 63-year-old grandmother from Maine is set to launch a solo 2,500 mile kayak expedition to Guatemala to benefit children in the Guatemala City garbage dump community. 

Dr. Deb Walters will embark Sunday from Eastern Promenade Beach in Portland on what is expected to be a year-long trek to deliver essential supplies while raising awareness and funds for the children in the Central American country.

There are at least 7,000 people who work from dawn to dusk in the Guatemala City trash heap, including entire families who survive by scavenging for plastic, metal and old magazines to sell to recyclers. Some reports indicate that at least 1,000 children sift through the garbage each day.

Deb has enlisted the help of corporate sponsors to design a custom kayak for her journey. Working with the non-profit Safe Passage, all the money she raises will go directly to helping the children of the garbage dump community.

You can follow Deb’s journey and support her mission here.