GSK Trek for Health – A Testament to the Power of Human Resilience, Compassion, and Collaboration

“The GSK Trek for Health promised to be an adventure of a lifetime to support children in crisis.”

Kevin Sauvé, National Lead, Vaccines Access and Government Affairs at GSK Canada, from Blainville, Quebec in Canada, was among the few chosen participants to take on the momentous challenge of a seven-day mountain trek in Kenya. A long-time leader and passionate advocate for employee fundraising in Canada, Kevin has been at the helm of Ride4Kids, an employee-led cycling fundraising initiative in support of Save the Children for many years.

GSK and Save the Children work together towards a world where no child suffers from a vaccine preventable disease and every child’s health is protected. Since 2013, the partnership has combined Save the Children’s experience in maternal, newborn, and child health and GSK’s research and expertise, to help reduce preventable deaths and illness in young children around the world.

Kevin, no stranger to a challenge, and 40 employees from GSK and ViiV came together to climb to the summit of Mount Kenya, and to witness first-hand health initiatives in Kenya that support children, by visiting Nyeri County, where AMREF Health Africa is working to improve the lives of children and families. Notably, Nyeri County has the highest infant mortality rate in Kenya.

We asked Kevin a few questions about his experience and his commitment to the cause:

What is the GSK Trek for Health?

Trek for Health is an employee fundraising initiative from GSK and ViiV supporting their global health partners Save the Children and Amref Health Africa. 40 employees from GSK and ViiV came together to climb to the summit of Mount Kenya, and to witness first-hand health initiatives in Kenya that support children including XX (insert 1-2 examples of the programs)

In February 2025, trekkers embarked on a challenging seven-day journey, walking up to 6-10 hours a day and pushing their limits. Mount Kenya stands at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest mountain in Africa. The hike is particularly challenging due to its high altitude and rugged terrain.

Each participant aimed to raise over £4,000 ($7,500 CAD) for global charity partners, including Save the Children, with the total funds raised to be matched by GSK.

 

What inspired you to join the GSK Trek for Health, and how does this cause resonate with you personally?

My inspiration stems from the desire to do more for those who don’t have the same opportunities that I have. Knowing that the funds raised will go to communities who need it most was incredibly compelling to me. This was a great opportunity to understand the problems these communities face and to witness first-hand how funds that I raise can help to provide solutions. Undoubtedly, the physical, mental, and emotional challenge that would come from hiking Africa’s second highest peak was also very attractive.

As a representative of GSK Canada, how do you see this trek aligning with the company’s values and commitment to global health?

GSK’s values were present through the entire journey in Kenya, from how employees were supported to how patients, healthcare providers and healthcare infrastructure managers were front and center in our community visit. The most profound and beautiful observation from my trip is the power of human connections, something GSK nourishes through a rich culture centered on people and their development. It’s comforting to see GSK has a dedicated team focused on finding solutions to global health issues. This trip was far more than a fundraising mission -it was also a multi-sensory and emotional experience that enabled 40 employees to deepen their belief in the value of their daily work and GSK’s purpose to get ahead of disease together and to deliver health impact on a global scale.

What message do you hope to share with others about the power of corporate partnerships and individual action in making a difference?

There is so much to say about this! First, the problems that some communities and individuals face every day are significantly different than those in G20 countries. Frankly, unless you see it with your own eyes, it’s difficult to truly understand. Pictures and videos online don’t relay the full extent of the suffering, or all the efforts being implemented to improve quality of life.

Secondly, we have the power to make a difference, together. All the trekkers were left with the same question after their journey: how can I contribute to making a difference? By combining our ideas and resources, we can find the answers. The resources and knowledge of organizations like GSK, which match funds raised by employees and partner with community organizations that understand local priorities and healthcare needs, can significantly impact these communities.

Thirdly, we all need to self-reflect and ask ourselves if we’re doing our best to help others – not just on a global scale but also within our local communities. It’s not solely about financial contributions. Do each of us have time, knowledge, or experience that could benefit local organizations? Finally, let’s not think that the problem is too big to solve. Improving the life of one person at a time is a meaningful objective we should all carry in our hearts and strive to achieve every day.

The GSK Trek for Health stands as a testament to the power of human resilience, compassion, and collaboration. For trekkers like Kevin Sauvé, this journey was not only about conquering Mount Kenya but also about witnessing the transformative impact of corporate partnerships and individual action in addressing global health challenges.

 

Moreover, the success of the GSK Trek for Health highlights the crucial role that corporate partnerships play in driving meaningful change. GSK’s commitment to matching funds raised by employees and collaborating with Save the Children demonstrates the positive impact that well-supported organizations can achieve when partnering alongside local communities and healthcare systems. This partnership amplifies both financial support and the delivery of sustainable solutions by leveraging shared expertise and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the GSK Trek for Health is more than a physical challenge—it is a powerful movement that inspires storytelling, fosters community engagement, and underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in creating a healthier, more equitable world.

To learn more about Save the Children’s corporate partnership programs, click here.