If you’re looking to give back as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, check out this SYRV fundraiser aimed at giving back in poor regions of Nicaragua. 

The event - to be held at 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Stronghold in Venice - will feature the documentary FLOW, an award-winning film that raises questions about the privatization of fresh water supplies.

Producer Stephen Starr will be on hand to answer questions about the film.  There will also be music performances at 9 p.m. Donations of $12 or more at the door. RSVP here.

The upcoming surf/yoga trip - departing Nov. 22 and coming back Nov. 29  — is part of an “Ecotourism” trend, which allows surf travelers to give back to poor regions where they utilize waves.  

In addition to surfing and yoga (neither of which are mandatory), there are also options for fishing trips, volcano hikes, kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining and more.

All of the proceeds from the event go to SYRV and non-profit Laguna Project to build a community center in Jiquilillo, where locals will learn various skills to earn a living and installing water purification systems so families have access to fresh water.

Other projects during the week-long trips include: giving school supplies to the children, handing out clothes and food at a dump yard in Chinandega - which will be done on Thankgiving Day -  and teaching local kids how to surf.

This kid - Carlos - was surfing on a refrigerator door before a SYRV volunteer donated a surfboard.

Travelers spend four days at Monty’s Surf Camp in Jiquilillo, a small fishing town in the northern region of Nicaragua. Another three days are spent down south in the popular surf destination of San Juan Del Sur.

 O’Neill has stepped up and donated two boxes of kid’s clothes for this upcoming trip. Companies that have donated in the past include RVCA, Sanuk and Adidas.  

SYRV also has a few spots open for the upcoming trip, so if you’re looking for a last minute getaway, hit up Monique at monique@syrv.org or 310-713-1878. And shoot her an RSVP if you plan on coming out to the fundraiser.

I joined this trip in August, and can tell you first hand it was a really amazing experience and there’s nothing better for the soul than giving back to people who need it more than you imagine.

If you can’t make the trip or fundraiser, donate here.  All donations  and trips are tax deductable.