This past weekend, a spirited team of 15 women volunteers from Blackstone embarked on an unforgettable cycling journey from London to Paris. Their mission? To raise funds for street children in Bangladesh. Over three gruelling days, these remarkable cyclists pedalled through picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains, aligning their efforts with the spirit of the Paris Olympics. But instead of raising a flag for their country, they raised hope and support for vulnerable children.
The funds raised through this heroic endeavour will directly support Blackstone’s Street Children Project in Bangladesh, called Rise Up. This life-changing initiative rescues and rehabilitates street children and is a beacon of hope for a lost generation of children.
The project works on several key fronts.
Detached Workers Rescuing Kids from the Streets
Our dedicated workers are on the ground, actively engaging with children living on the streets. They offer immediate support and intervention, rescuing these vulnerable children from dangerous and sometimes abusive conditions.
Open-Air School for Street Kids
We run an innovative open-air school that provides basic education and an opportunity to engage with street kids. This initiative equips children with the skills they need for a brighter future, all within a safe and supportive learning environment and with a vision to help them come off the streets.
Reuniting Families
A core mission of our project is reuniting lost children with their families whenever it is safe and feasible. For those who cannot be safely returned, we ensure they are taken off the streets and placed in nurturing environments.
Rashid Ali, CEO of Blackstone, who accompanied the volunteers on their journey, shared his heartfelt admiration: “I am always inspired by volunteers who step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves both physically and mentally for the sake of others. Their dedication is truly awe-inspiring. Seeing their passion and commitment firsthand has been incredible. I look forward to meeting new volunteers and sharing the stories of how their efforts enable us to make a real difference around the world.”
Are you inspired by their journey? Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a complete beginner, with dedication and the right training, you too can achieve great things. Blackstone offers comprehensive training programs for all levels. We start with local rides and gradually build up to international challenges like this one. Imagine the sense of accomplishment as you cycle into Paris, knowing you’ve made a real impact.
In addition to cycling, Blackstone hosts a variety of exciting fundraising events including running, boating, skydiving, and more. Each event is designed not only to raise crucial funds but also to offer participants unique and thrilling experiences.
If you’re interested in making a difference and inspired by the street children project, why not join us for a 10-day charity tour in Bangladesh next year? This life-changing journey will give you a firsthand look at our efforts to rescue and support street children. It’s an experience filled with impactful moments and the opportunity to see the direct results of your contributions.
For more details on how you can get involved in our events or to join our charity tour, visit https://blackstonecharity.co.uk/upcoming-events/ or get in touch with us directly at [email protected] and together, we can make a world of difference.