Our Roots and Impact

Hi, I’m Karin Traeger – an environmental activist, adventurer, and the energy behind La Loyka. My life revolves around two passions: protecting the planet and embracing adventure. These passions are deeply connected, inspiring me to build a space where nature, people, and impact come together to drive meaningful change.

In 2015, I volunteered at the Great Barrier Reef, conducting coral surveys during one of the most devastating bleaching events in history. Witnessing the once-vibrant coral turn ghostly white was heartbreaking, but the struggle of NGOs on the frontlines of conservation impacted me just as deeply. Despite their dedication, they faced significant challenges in securing the resources they needed to make a lasting impact. Through this and other conservation work across my career, I’ve experienced firsthand the constant battle to fund essential programs. This realisation made me understand that fundraising support can often be the difference between success and failure for environmental efforts—and it planted the first seed for La Loyka.

Over the years, I’ve found ways to connect adventure with awareness campaigns, using my passion for the outdoors to drive change. One of my proudest achievements was becoming the first person to run the entire Yarra/Birrarung River from source to mouth—a 280-kilometre journey I completed to raise awareness and funds for river conservation. This adventure wasn’t just about testing my limits; it was a way to inspire action and connect people to the environment. That experience reinforced my belief that every effort—no matter how small—can create a meaningful impact when supported by the right resources. It also showed me how connecting people to nature can spark the action that leads to real change.

Inspired by these experiences, I founded La Loyka to bridge the gap between passion and impact, providing fundraising expertise and support to NGOs. The name La Loyka comes from the Loica bird—known as Loyka in Mapudungun—a native Chilean species believed to possess healing powers. For me, the Loica represents the biodiversity of Chile and serves as a reminder of my deep connection to the land and its wildlife.

At La Loyka, we specialise in fundraising consulting to empower NGOs, especially those with limited resources, helping them build capacity and scale their impact. We pledge 1% of our profits to conservation organisations in Chile and other regions that are personally significant to me. Beyond financial support, we also offer in-kind donations, sharing our tools, expertise, and knowledge to support smaller NGOs in their mission.

With more than a decade of outdoor experience, I bring energy, passion, and purpose to everything I do. La Loyka is more than just a consulting service—it’s a platform for connection, empowerment, and action. I believe that when people reconnect with nature, they unlock the potential for collective action—and that’s when transformation happens.

Whether you’re embarking on your own adventure or supporting a cause that matters, we’re here to help you make an impact. 

Ready to start your adventure?