Vilcabamba Fire Relief Fundraiser
A community-driven initiative that transformed chaos into collaboration, leveraging leadership, trust, and unity to address urgent needs and build long-term resilience in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.
November 2024
SNAPSHOT
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Founder & firefighter volunteer.
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5 weeks.
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Starting Point — Vilcabamba is declared in state of emergency.
End Point — Volunteers receive adequate support to extinguish the fires.
CONTEXT
Last year (2023), I volunteered to fight fires in Vilcabamba, a beautiful region in southern Ecuador. I thought it would be a chance to challenge myself and contribute in a meaningful way. What I didn’t expect was how much this experience would shape me—especially my understanding of leadership, problem-solving, and community.
When the fires broke out again this year, I knew I had to step up. After nearly five days of relentless flames spreading across the region, the crisis escalated when the fires reached Podocarpus National Park. It’s a sacred place, home to unique ecosystems and endangered species. Witnessing the devastation was surreal, like watching an unstoppable force take over. It was clear that this situation needed more than just individual efforts—it needed organization, support, and unity.
JOURNEY TO FOLLOW
Today, I want to take you through how this chaotic, life-threatening situation was transformed into a well-organized initiative that made a real impact. I’ll share the challenges we faced, the systems we built, and the lessons I’ve learned.
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
CHALLENGES ON THE GROUND
Volunteers lacked tools, safety gear, food, and structure
Funding was fragmented and unsustainable
Trust was a barrier for volunteers and donors
Need for a transparent and scalable system
TAKING ACTION
Crafted an urgent, honest narrative
Leveraged a connected expat network
Raised $7K in 24 hours; nearly $12K to date
Unified the community around a shared purpose
BUILDING TRUST
CREATING CREDIBILITY THROUGH COLLABORATION
Core Team of five respected / trusted leaders from both the local and expat communities
Transparency and collaboration built credibility
Flexible funding adapted to real-time needs
ADDRESSING AMBIGUITY
ADAPTING TO CONSTANT CHANGE
Prioritized supplies for immediate relief
Reserved funds for rebuilding and recovery
Daily + weekly reassessments ensured resources matched needs
LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION
EMPOWERING THE TEAM
Empowered the right people to lead
Balanced urgency with thoughtful decisions
Secondary networks enhanced reach and effectiveness
NAVIGATING CONFLICT
RESOLVING TENSION WITH PURPOSE
Addressed mistrust with empathy and transparency
Controversy over paying volunteers during final push
Chose solidarity: 'The community has your back'
FINAL PUSH: UNITY OVER CONTROVERSY
DIFFICULT DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE
One of the most pivotal moments of this journey was deciding whether to pay volunteers during the final stretch of the firefighting efforts - truly the final stretch. This decision was surrounded by controversy for two key reasons.
THE CONTROVERSY
Up to this point, no volunteers had been paid. The fundraiser had primarily supported them with tools, food, and supplies.
Authorities strongly advised against payments, arguing it could set a precedent where poor individuals might start fires intentionally to receive compensation.
(above) Fires still burning deep into the Podocarpus National Park.
CONTEXT
Many volunteers had been fighting fires for 12 days straight. Exhausted and facing grueling conditions, their mission was to break a trail deep into the Podocarpus—a remote area inaccessible to helicopters and firefighters. This was our last stand to neutralize the fires before they reached the continental lines, where stopping them would have been nearly impossible.
Internally, we also faced challenges. Reallocating funds to pay these volunteers meant reducing support for future efforts, like gratitude tokens for 140+ volunteers or rebuilding the charred landscape.
APPROACH
We chose not to give energy to the warnings from authorities. At this point, we were deeply connected with the volunteers and had witnessed their extraordinary commitment firsthand. Even if there were isolated perpetrators, we chose to trust the integrity of the men on our team.
We empathized with two perspectives: those needing compensation after sacrificing so much, needing an extra incentive for this final push and those concerned about fairness. Ultimately, we made the decision to prioritize solidarity and send a clear message: ‘The community has your back. Let’s finish this.’
(above) The “Final Push” Team.
OUTCOME
We gathered 15 men for a five-day mission in the Podocarpus. The conditions were grueling—12-14 hour shifts, breaking trails, and hiking dangerous terrain for hours each day. They camped in freezing temperatures, deep in the wilderness, and fought tirelessly to put out the flames.
On the fifth and final day, their efforts succeeded. The fires were extinguished, and as if perfectly timed, rain poured down that afternoon, marking the end of a long, exhausting battle. The relief and joy that spread through the community, especially within our team, were indescribable. It was a true testament to resilience and unity.
(above) The Lagunas, a sacred place in the Podocarpus was saved from the fires.
IMPACT OF UNITY
Immediate — $3K+ worth of tools, safety gear, and supplies
Long-term — Replanting hectares, aiding wildlife, repairing infrastructure
Community united in strength and resilience
FINAL THOUGHTS
This project taught me so much—about leadership, about adaptability, and about the power of unity. I learned how to navigate ambiguity, make tough decisions, and build systems that serve both immediate and long-term needs.
Most importantly, I saw firsthand how incredible things can happen when people come together for a shared purpose.
Also, check out Mi Jardín—a soulful brand I’m helping shape from the roots up, blending organic ingredients with a story that’s pure magic.