Three months from now, Kristine MacMillan will be travelling 2,500 kilometres across India in a rickshaw with a two-stroke, single cylinder engine.
The Kelowna General Hospital nurse fully expects the vehicle to break down, often, but she said she’s looking forward to the adventure and chance to raise money for a good cause.
“I was in India a couple years ago and I travelled pretty extensively…so I sort of know what to expect,” said MacMillan, who will be taking part in the adventure with her international friends, Jen Crane from America and Sacha Moreland from New Zealand.
“But I’m sure it will be much crazier than we can prepare ourselves for.”
MacMillan said she read about the Rickshaw Run on a travel blog earlier this year and she was instantly intrigued by the idea.
The race is put on by The Adventurists, a UK-based company that puts on several worldwide adventures with the aim of raising money for various charities.
Although the concept of travelling across India on a rickshaw seems almost humorous, there is real danger involved.
The Adventurists’ website issues a warning to those considering participating in the Rickshaw Run.
“Your chances of being seriously injured or dying as a result of taking part are high. Individuals who have taken part in past Adventurists’ adventures have been permanently disfigured, seriously disabled and even lost their life,” states the website.
MacMillan is aware of the risks involved, but is looking forward to the challenge, which will likely take about two weeks to complete.
“There’s no set route…how you get between the two distances is completely up to you. We will break down a lot, unfortunately—you can’t really plan for anything.
“But in those breakdowns, it kind of opens you up to the kindness of strangers; we’re really going to be at the mercy of whoever is around.”
The Adventurists require teams to raise a minimum of £1,000 for charity, at least £500 of which has to be donated to Cool Earth: A charity that works to save rain forests in Peru.
MacMillan and her friends will give the minimum amount to Cool Earth; however, the majority of their money raised will go to New Light India: A charity that provides shelter, educational opportunities, recreational facilities, health care and legal aid for children, girls and women in one of Kolkata’s oldest red light districts.
After the Rickshaw Run, MacMillan and Crane plan to travel to Kolkata to volunteer with New Light for a week or so.
On Nov. 9, Little Straw Vineyards in West Kelowna will host a fundraiser for the team of nurses.
The fundraiser takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 (cash only), which includes a wine tasting, a glass of wine and appetizers. There will also be a silent auction.
All proceeds will benefit New Light India; tickets can be reserved by e-mailing kickinitsaristyle@gmail.com.
For more information about MacMillan’s fundraising adventure, or to donate, visit kickinitsaristyle.com.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
Twitter: @PatersonWade
