A St. Agatha man who vowed to transform his dream trip to Nepal after a devastating earthquake struck the Himalayan country this spring is making good on his promise.

Walt Huber is a keen hiker, and had plans to carry out his dream of trekking in Nepal, but after an earthquake killed more than 8,000 people in April, he changed his plans.

He is still flying to Nepal in November, but instead of a pleasure trip he will be staying in a tent for 2 1/2 weeks and rebuilding schools as part of a mission by Canadian expedition company Peak Freaks. He will help build a school with earth-filled used rice bags, an inexpensive technique that's earthquake-resistant.

He also plans to support the Waterloo chapter of Days for Girls, which makes washable, reusable menstrual kits to be given to girls who might otherwise miss school during their period because of lack of access to menstrual pads. He plans to stuff his luggage with as many of the kits as he can, for distribution in Kathmandu and in rural villages in Nepal.

As well, Huber has organized a fundraiser with live music and a late buffet, with all money raised going to First Steps Himalaya, a New Zealand-based charity that builds schools and develops education projects in Nepal.

He understands that the earthquake and its aftermath in Nepal aren't top of mind for most Canadians anymore, and that other issues such as the refugee crisis have moved to the fore. But he remains hopeful that people will understand that the need in Nepal hasn't lessened.

"When it's topical, everybody's excited and interested and engaged," he said. "Three to four months later, I knew that was going to be a challenge, but I believe in people, and I believe they'll help."

The fundraiser is Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. at the St. Agatha Community Centre. There will be raffles and a 50/50 draw. Tickets are $20. People can also donate at www.gofundme.com/zg3vavag.

Huber says he would like to stay involved with Nepal, and believes he'll be able to complete the dreamed-of trek to Everest base camp on a future trip. "For me, this cause will not go away at all," he said.