Leamington rally team raises more than £5,000 for ambulance for Ukraine
Jasbir Singh Kalyan, Pal Singh Sanghera and Amrit Singh Kalyan took on the Skinflint Rally challenge in support of The Gursewak Trust, raising funds for the ambulance that will be purchased, prepared, filled with medical equipment and humanitarian supplies and delivered to Ukraine by Leamington-based humanitarian organisation Belveder CIC.
Three Leamington Sikh men have raised more than £5,000 towards funds for a new ambulance to help people in war-torn Ukraine by completing an annual car rally across Europe.
Jasbir Singh Kalyan, Pal Singh Sanghera and Amrit Singh Kalyan took on the Skinflint Rally challenge in support of The Gursewak Trust, raising funds for the ambulance that will be purchased, prepared, filled with medical equipment and humanitarian supplies and delivered to Ukraine by Leamington-based humanitarian organisation Belveder CIC.
Using a car worth no more than £500, the team travelled from England to Nice in France.
Their journey was not without challenges, including a mechanical breakdown that required repairs before they could continue.
Along the way, they also experienced memorable moments of kindness, including an unexpected welcome from a couple in a small French village liberated by British forces in 1918, where two British military cemeteries remain as reminders of the area's history.
Importantly, the three participants covered all their own travel and rally expenses, ensuring that the money donated could go directly towards supporting the ambulance project.
Following their successful fundraising effort, the team presented a cheque for £5,406 to the Gursewak Trust to support the next ambulance mission to Ukraine.
Amrit said: "We wanted to take on a challenge that would be both memorable and meaningful.
“The rally was an incredible experience, with a few unexpected difficulties along the way, but knowing that we were raising money to help people in Ukraine made every mile worthwhile.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported us and donated so generously.
“We covered all our own expenses because we wanted every penny raised to make a difference.
“It is wonderful to see the total reach £5,406 and we hope this contribution will help get another ambulance to the people who desperately need it."
Belveder CIC works with volunteers, local organisations and international partners to deliver emergency vehicles and essential supplies to communities affected by the ongoing war.
The organisation has already coordinated dozens of ambulance and humanitarian vehicle deliveries, with volunteers giving their time to fundraising, preparing vehicles, sorting donations and driving them across Europe.
Launched in 2018, the Skinflint Rally is an annual fundraising event organised by The Rugby Roundtable.
For more information visit www.skinflintrally.co.uk