SHILLONG, SEPT 8: The annual Rickshaw Run organised by the UK based The Adventurists, an organization that raises money for charities worldwide was flagged off On Sunday by Meghalaya information & Public Relations (MIPR) deputy director Ceaser Passah and Shillong Press Club President Mr. David Laitphlang from Polo parking lot.
Altogether seventy-nine teams from different countries around the world is taking part in this spine jolting event to raise funds for a charity organized by the UK based Adventurists and aptly titled ‘Cool Earth’, which takes care of the incredible rainforest protection around the world. The rickshaw run will cover over 4, 500 km stretch of road beginning Shillong to Jaisalmer.
The Rickshaw Run has saved more than 150,000 trees in some of the most endangered rainforests in the world through the charitable donations
On Sunday those participating in the Rickshaw Run were escorted out of Shillong by a Meghalaya police patrol vehicle.
.Over 230 people from countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Jersey, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Wales converged in Shillong to undertake the bumpy ride for an environmental cause. The Cool Earth is presently working to save the rain forests in the Amazon basin in South America.
According to Matthew Dickens, the director of the Rickshaw Run (India branch) the teams have so far raised Rs 40 lakh for the charity and are still on the job to raise some more.
The 230 participants from different corners of the globe will make their way westwards deep into the Thar desert – finishing in the dusty desert oasis of Jaisalmer a mere two weeks later, Dickens informed.
He also informed that they shall be driving auto-rickshaws! There shall be no set route, no back-up, and no support whatsoever.”Dicken also added that till date Run has now raised over 1,000,000 pounds for the official charities since 2006.
Speaking at the flagging off ceremony Passah, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, said Meghalaya was indeed happy to play host to the 230 adventurers and expressed hope that the hospitality extended to them in Shillong did not fall short. He urged the participants, “Please go back to your countries and tell your friends and families that Meghalaya welcomes them all from the bottom of its heart.”
Passah said whatever is possible from the Meghalaya government side it will continue to be extend its helping hand to ensure that our beautiful state proves worthy of hosting visitors from across the world.
Earlier, SPC president Mr. David Laitphlang wished the brave adventurists undertaking the arduous journey the best of luck. He said, “It’s a long way from here and you will all make it so that the cause you espouse will be achieved.”
Dickens said that Meghalaya has been great in terms of support and assistance and informed that they have a long list of people to thank and also added the state has the friendliest people on earth.-By Our Reporter
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