Miles to go…

She’s raring to go. Thousands of miles,over mountains,through dirt tracks,tropical jungle,exploring an unknown terrain,on a rickshaw and that too in just two weeks! Renee Fidz is one of the participants of the Spring 2010 Rickshaw Run which ‘takes off’ on March 28 (till April 11) and coordinates a fleet of 64 rickshaws to travel across the subcontinent of India. “I’ve been in India for a while now,it was a dream to explore the country and Chandigarh has been special. I’ve been living here for a couple of months,got a chance to do some absorbing work as a graphic designer and have met some wonderful people,’’ smiles Renee,a film editor from New York. The Rickshaw Run is special for Renee,not only because she’ll get a chance to travel,but also because it’s all for a cause. Organized three times a year,this year,they will be raising money for Frank Water Projects (www.frankwater.com) which funds facilities that use the world’s most effective water filtering processes. “Right now,they have a many as 30 projects running all over India and it was started by a British woman,who was visiting India and suffered a bad bout of dysentery because of water,’’ explains Renee,who gave free rickshaw rides to locals in Manimajra to raise awareness about the Rickshaw Run event and Frank Water Projects. “It was not a fundraiser,but a performance art and lots of fun,’’ Renee’s dressed up the rickshaw for the event and has been poring over maps and plans for the journey. Renee is part of Team Elephant,along with her friends Danielle,Matti,and Alex who’re coming from England. The team,along with 63 other teams will be departing from Cochin in Kerala and journeying to the Kingdom of Sikkim in the Himalayas. So why Team Elephant? “The elephant,historically and in many cultures,has symbolized ancient power,feminine strength,wisdom,and the highest true self. Our mission for the Spring 2010 Rickshaw Run is to raise awareness of the charities,in addition to promoting cultural understanding between the UK and India and appealing to the adventurous,creative spirit in all of us,’’ Renee appeals everyone to visit their donation page and make a donation,however small,www.justgiving.com/Team-Elephant/ to make a difference. Each person who donates will have their name written on a ribbon,which will then be woven into a wreath and adorn the rickshaw during the entire length of the trip. “Pictures of the wreath,our team,our rickshaw,and our journey will be sent to each one of our supporters,’’ Renee’s a bit nervous about the ride and wonders if they’ll be able to complete it in the stipulated time. “More than the destination,it’s the journey we’re really looking forward to…the landscapes,meeting new people and simply travelling.” Ride along!