Hello WORLD - 🔰

I am publicly joining the movement to assist Ukrainian relief efforts and send a message of peace to the world after years of the global COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict have left deep and lasting impacts worldwide. 

How will I be addressing these profound and disturbing events? I will be making a pilgrimage to the Burning Man Festival for the very first time this year and raising money for the globally-renowned Charity CORE RESPONSE and specifically donating to their Ukrainian relief efforts unit. 

Why the Burning Man Festival? 

The Burning Man Project is an international non-profit organization that is dedicated to spreading peace and meaningful cultural exchanges in the desert of Nevada every year through the continuing historical legacy of the Burning Man Festival every summer in Black Rock City, NV. 

The festival supports serious initiatives in the arts & sustainability - with festival participants able to partake in walk-through art installations and workshops during the duration of the festival. It is truly a time to reflect on world events and connect with the humanity around you.

I will be using this time to reflect on my purpose as an individual and celebrate my tenure of international travel and live music events worldwide.

Why the CORE Response Charity?

CORE is a global charity that provides immediate response and semi-permanent infrastructure solutions to areas in crisis worldwide. They were founded in 2010 in response to the disastrous earthquake in Haiti and have expanded to serve other key areas such as Ukraine and serve temporary crises in the United States. 

CORE is helping by providing the following services across Ukraine:

• Construction services of households and schools
• Restoration of water towers, systems, and tanks
• Providing firewood + fuel for farms
• Temporary cash assistance to families and individuals
• Restoring domestic gas systems
• Distribution of food and hygiene kits for communities
• Providing adhoc critical nonfood items as well as digital tools where needed to alleviate local operations

CORE Response was one of the first organizations on the ground when the war began in early 2022. They have remained active and consistent in the country for the past three years and look to continue providing relief during this especially chaotic spring season. They remain committed to helping Ukrainians rebuild and targeting hard hit regions. Read more on their third year in Ukraine here: YEAR THREE

Read more about their current initiatives and team here: CORE UKRAINE

Why crowdfund me to go on this quest and where will the money go??

This journey has already begun and is gaining steam... 

three months ago I departed a favorite port of call in New Orleans and arrived in the vast state of California to further my experience and explore. I began in LA in December exploring obscure corners and heritage sites such as the Hollywood Bowl - and made my way around to Santa Monica and K-town. Joining the global backpacking community on Worldpackers - I further travelled to San Luis Obispo where I did my first hostel exchange and explored the sisters region and Morro Bay. From SLO, I made my way down the coast to Santa Barbara, where I have been continuing to hostel exchange and engaging in communal life. 

It is my plan to continue exchanging and backpacking throughout California for the remainder of the season until Burning Man, and then to join my Burning Man 2025 volunteer team in late summer for potentially pre- and post- burn activities as well. I will be volunteering and camping all festival with the earth guardians 🥬 &/greeters teams 🌳 and will need to provide various necessities for myself, including:

• Travel to BRC from Los Angeles
• Food/water
• Camping equipment
• Medical supplies for personal use
• Vending purchases onsite
• Miscellaneous ~ one week

I intend to use the funds from this crowdfundr directly towards my personal needs as a volunteer for the duration of Burning Man Festival 2025, and will donate exactly half of what I raise to the CORE Response Ukraine initiative in a concurrent donation at festival time in August. The donation receipt and participation evidence will be shared immediately post-event and on socials (AS WELL AS POTENTIALLY A SECRET DROP FOR HIGHER DONORS!!)*** STAY TUNED 😈👿

I am adhering to the SURVIVAL GUIDE from 2024 for more helpful tips & tricks in preparation: https://survival.burningman.org/

Thank you for your direct support & participation and please follow-up with me via my personal website and medium blog, also shared with the global burners community: www.simoneballard.com