More than a charity ride
Compassion towards one another is perhaps one of the best things we could have as human beings. Fuelled by this compassion, 44 cyclists embarked on a 400 kilometer charity ride from Colombo to Jaffna on February 27 under the ‘Ride for Ceylon’ banner. Their sole aim was to raise funds for the Green memorial hospital, Manipay, Jaffna.
Pic courtesy Ride for Ceylon
Since 2017, back when the ride first took off under the slogan ‘Ride for Charity’, it has been able to raise approximately 70,000 GBP (Rs. 16,559,827 approx) This year as of March 4, despite the target being 15,000 GBP, the riders were able to raise almost 60,000 GBP, we are told.
We got the chance to converse with David Rasiah, a committee member of ‘Ride for Ceylon’. David tells us ‘Ride for Ceylon’ is the face of the charity, ‘Friends of Manipay Hospital.’ The ride itself is the brainchild of a group of Thomian Old Boys, who met up once at a stag night. Gerald Simons, an old boy, was a keen cyclist and had put forward the idea.
At this point Michael Arnold, also an old Thomian, who had connections to the Manipay area in Jaffna and whose cousins are the trustees of ‘Friends for Manipay Hospital,’ thought of conducting the ride to raise funds for the hospital.
It was this first ride that opened their eyes to what the hospital needed and that’s when they realized something had to be done. “I saw hardened guys shed a tear after seeing the plight of people in the hospital. We thought we’ll make it an annual ride,” David recalls.
Today the ride is conducted by a committee comprising Nishan Wickramaratna, Michael, Sriomal De Silva and David. They are supported by trustees Dr. Jayantha Arnold and Anandan Arnold.
Built in 1847, the Manipay Green Hospital has long served the local community of Jaffna. However, the country’s civil war had taken its toll on the region, causing destruction to both the buildings and the lives of the people.
Under this light, the chance to rebuild the hospital and expand its services was a compelling cause, to revive a community that was physically and emotionally tarnished by the war. The cycle ride was a practical way to create awareness, raise funds and build momentum for the hospital.
But as David puts it, riding across the once troubled region from Colombo also signifies a coast-to-coast process of healing. This also showcases unity and hope, paving the way for reconciliation in these broken communities.
Since the inaugural ride that comprised six riders, the charity ride has come a long way. It grew to 25 riders, in February 2018 which included the Old Boys, together with a few international riders. This year’s ride comprised 44 riders, which also included cyclists from Canada, Romania, Australia, UK and Sri Lanka. It is also significant that the Sri Lankan group was represented by riders of every race and religion. “This was a great spirit of friendship, unity and reconciliation.”
The fruits of the 2017 and 2018 Rides have since enabled the redevelopment of the main hospital and the creation of the new Paediatric and Cardiology Ward. With the work currently underway, 2019 presented a new chapter in their story. This is just why ‘Ride for Charity’ was relaunched as Ride for Ceylon.
Each cyclist from UK was supposed to collect a minimum of 1000 GBP, the Australian rider was asked to collect 2000 Dollars and the Sri Lankan riders were asked to collectively deposit a million rupees.
The donations would be utilized to purchase an ambulance for the hospital, which is an utmost necessity. The remaining funds would be directed towards the Paediatric and Cardiology Ward. This will include a digital upgrade of the X-ray machinery, the general maintenance and upkeep of the hospital, etc.
Aside from this funds will also be used to establish the Hope foundation, David tells us adding that this will house any person who has lost hope. “We take them on at the hospital and give them hope.”
Since its inception, the charity has also generated interest worldwide. David points out that the Lord’s Taverners, the biggest sport’s disability charity in the U.K has donated sporting equipment that’s worth over 35,000 GBP.” David adds the equipment will be donated to different schools in deprived areas within the next few days.
Aside from this, they’ve also teamed up with City Tattersalls Club, Sydney, Australia. “They found us on Facebook and sent nine riders to join us this year, who contributed about 25,000 Dollars and they want to work with us going forward,” he tells us.
Now that the ride is over, the team has also already started planning the next one and as David calls it, this will be a ride with a twist to get more people and funds on board. At present there is a plan to build a twin hospital in the Southern part of the Northern Province. “This will be a North/South reconciliation as well.”
Ride for Ceylon welcomes your interest or contribution. If you’d like to be involved either as a rider, donator or campaigner – or simply to find out more get in touch with them at ride4ceylon@gmail.com or check their website at www.ride4ceylon.com or follow them on Facebook at http://www.sundaytimes.lk/190310/.