map by Felix Hude
‘Two members of Friends of interPART, Ray and Tania, are organising and participating in, a major fundraising event, to assist with the development of facilities for disabled children in Cambodia’…
plan to pedal out from the capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday 10th December (International Day of Human Rights) to commence our cycle around Tonle Sap Lake in central Cambodia, in an anti-clockwise direction (being the only similarity with Olympic events that we will be indulging in!). If a ‘jolly’ around ‘the lake’ sounds a little tame, then it needs to be mentioned that Tonle Sap is in fact the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia and on the journey around it, we will cover about 1000 kilometres. Allowing ourselves three weeks to complete the venture, it may be seen that it is not our intention to break any records. Indeed, any attempt to do so, would be sure to also break ones bicycle and perhaps ones human frame too! Even the main ‘roads’ in Cambodia are mostly dirt and among the most challenging in South East Asia, especially during the monsoon season, when some sections become impassable. Some of the larger ‘craters’ have even been known to devour trucks whole - so the stories go anyway!
Fortunately improvements are currently under way, with major road works taking place in many areas, which I’m sure will provide a few additional obstacles on the way. However, we have every confidence that our trusty ‘Hybrids’ will cope admirably, thanks to Andy Murnane of Cycle Worx, Kilkenny and Chris Webb of Lifecycle Bicycles, Norwood, who are both providing us with equipment and much appreciated advice.

Friends of interPART (FoiP) is a non-government charitable organisation, registered in South Australia, that is not affiliated with any political or religious bodies. It raises money in Australia through community support, for projects aimed to assist the most vulnerable people in the developing world and in Australia. Providing financial and technical assistance, FoiP supports various projects in Cambodia including the ‘Rabbit School’ (a name chosen to reflect the cultural significance of the rabbit, as an animal symbolic of courage and sharing with others). This is the first school in Cambodia that provides education for more severely disabled children, who have been abandoned or orphaned. Support is also given to a community home, called the ‘House of Smiles’, that provides a caring living environment within a community setting for five orphaned children with disabilities.

Funds raised from ‘CyCleCambodia’ will be used to provide support to current and future projects, including the establishment of a Day Centre. However, the main item being sought is a suitable means of transport for the children, and for this reason we aim to raise close to A$ 20,000. At the moment, many of the children use an adapted, covered trailer pulled by a motorcycle, and although this will continue to be used, an additional vehicle is urgently needed.

This will enable children with disabilities;

Being able to embrace the world by being part of it, will enable these children to gain greater confidence and self-esteem, as well as providing education opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them.
The members of Friends of interPART are a group of concerned individuals, who volunteer their time and experience in order to support projects they believe in. Therefore, as with all our fundraising events, all monies kindly donated in support of ‘CyCleCambodia’, will reach these children in need.

Ray, Tania and the children of the ‘Rabbit School’
and ‘House of Smiles’, thank you for your valued support.
Donations and requests for further information on our work, may be sent to the following address:
Friends of interPART Inc. P.O.Box 1775 Macclesfield South Australia 5153
Tel: (08) 8388 9620 Email: rayw@picknowl.com.au
Incorporation Number: A23669 ABN 14 175 514 975

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