“Race captures spirit of adventure and courage that’s needed at this time”
Singapore Sidecars by Sideways.sg, in conjunction with WiT, is organising a fund-raising land race in its famous sidecars to arrive in Penang on March 12, the day before WiT Indie.
Their goal is to cover 800km in 12 hours, as opposed to the first trip it undertook in 2018. That took 72 hours because the crew stopped in various spots along the way.
Led by co-founder, Simon Wong, it aims to raise between S$50,000 and $100,000 for the Red Cross. The record-breaking attempt is also backed by The Majurity Trust’s #SGStrong grant, which supports local initiatives focused on supporting vulnerable groups and individuals during the Covid-19 crisis.
The original mission was planned around a charity mission in Nepal, in support of the Dolma Foundation, which aims to alleviate poverty by investing in education, health and local sustainable businesses.
“[The idea] was to bring medical professionals from Singapore General Hospital [to local communities in the Himalayas] and share healthcare advice and expertise… We may actually bring [medical supplies], equipment related to hygiene… as we realise how important sanitation is [in preventing disease],” said Wong.
Unfortunately, the virus’ impact on travel brought the group’s plans to a halt. Determined not to let it stop them, Wong said that the team would instead postpone its Nepal trip to a future date and use their Penang mission as a way to build awareness and publicity before they take on the bigger journey, whilst still raising money for a good cause.
“It’s been just two weeks since we decided on Penang,” Wong explained. “We’re still setting up the [donation] links so that people can support the cause.”
Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder, WiT said, “Simon has always been a strong supporter of WiT and he was at our very first WiT Indie when we worked together on that first Sidecar road trip to Penang. The stir it caused when those sidecars appeared on the streets of Penang.
“We’re thrilled he’s decided to time his fund-raising race with our event again. It shows a spirit of adventure and courage that is badly needed in our industry at this time, and we will be supporting him throughout this quest as it continues on to Nepal later in the year.”
The team plans to document the entire journey for entertainment value, as well as to continue the drive for donations for The Red Cross after the half-day journey is completed next week.
“It’s about travel with real meaning… the people that want to join [these] trips often have a personal connection to the cause so it’s a great way to travel responsibly too.”
Wong sees it as the potential start of developing philanthropic tours that encourage people to do good as they travel.
Aware of the negative stigma that can surround ‘voluntourism’, Wong said, “There are so many fundraisers that are too much about second-hand goods and poor brands… it doesn’t have to be like that. We want it to be about quality and giving people the best stuff. [People in need] shouldn’t get our second-hand, off-cuts. They should get the best quality people, and gear… [fundraisers] can afford it.”
The multi-national team, representing Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, UK, Brazil and Switzerland, will complete the journey using three sidecars. The first to reach Penang will be counted as the record holder.
Wong also hopes that the diversity of the team will help spark conversation around international solidarity, as the world has become increasingly divided in reaction to Covid-19, which has resulted in instances of racism and in extreme cases, acts of violence against one another.
“We’re not afraid of each other or saying someone should wear a mask… we’re all in it together… we’re all breathing the same air. The main thing we’re combatting is the fear factor,” Wong explained.
He called out the fear mongering in the media that has fed into general hysteria, panic-buying and racial tensions. “It’s irresponsible reporting… they need to state the facts… The sharing of general knowledge is what would help to dispel myth or fear, which usually happens when there is a lack of education,” stated Wong.
To donate, please visit: https://redcross.give.asia/campaign/islandtoislandrace#/
Tune into The WiT Podcast: Unity in Crisis to learn lessons, ideas and practices for recovery, so that we can unite and collaborate our way out of the Covid-19 crisis.
