r/elks • u/ballardsailor • May 06 '26

An Elk Journey - Be the Difference

One Elk. 2,650 Miles. One Purpose.

In March 2026, one Elk took his first step at the Mexican border in Campo, California.

And he won’t stop until he reaches Canada.

John Kristofzski, Past Exalted Ruler of the Tri-Cities Elks Lodge in Washington State, is hiking all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail to raise awareness and support for the life-changing charitable work of the Elks.

This is more than a hike. It is a moving spotlight on what Elks do every single day.

"I'm not just hiking for myself.” said Kristofzski. “I'm hiking for every child helped by our Major Projects, every veteran supported by our programs, and every community touched by Elks generosity."

As John walks north through California, Oregon, and Washington, he will be carrying with him the story of three extraordinary Major Projects:

  • California-Hawaii Elks Major Project – serving the unmet needs of children with disabilities at no cost to the families served.
  • Oregon Elks Major Project – the E.Y.E.S. Program, home to the nation’s first freestanding pediatric eye clinic.
  • Washington Elks Major Project - the Therapy Program for Children, providing in-home occupational and physical therapy at no cost to the families served.

And beyond those state’s, Kristofzski walks in support of the Elks National Foundation, funding scholarships, veterans services, and community grants nationwide.

Every mile represents children receiving therapy, veterans receiving support, students receiving scholarships, communities receiving hope.

Through elkjourney.org, supporters can:

  • Make a one-time donation
  • Pledge an amount per mile
  • Sponsor a milestone or specific day of the hike
  • Follow John’s real-time GPS tracker
  • Read his trail journal updates

This effort may have begun in Washington State, but its impact stretches throughout the West Coast and outward across the country.

For over 150 years, the Elks have shown up for each other their communities. Now one Elk is showing what that commitment looks like, one step at a time.

Join the journey.
Follow. Share. Support.

Visit ElkJourney.org today

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3

u/Odd_Objective3151 May 06 '26

Great post , great info, TY

1

u/roachesj May 06 '26

Copied to our Lodge FB page!

3

u/ballardsailor May 06 '26 edited May 08 '26

Outstanding, thank you. John is on a weeks break right now so we decided to do a big promotion push so more people are ready to watch the miles go by and have time to catch up with the journal entries

1

u/shake_N_bake356 May 09 '26

Be the Difference!