8 Cars. 2200km. One big retro car charity drive adventure.
After a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SGRETROCAR is resurrecting their esteemed GT-Rally charity drive event with our Northern neighbours’ re-opened borders. This charity drive is scheduled to be held from 2nd December to 8th December 2022.
In order to participate, one would have to own a car which is above 25 years old. However, unlike previous iterations, this year’s itinerary would be more exclusive, as the group is limiting total convoy capacity to just 8 cars.
These 8 participating retro cars will be undertaking a scenic drive up to Hatyai, carrying along donated items which will be given to 3 different orphanages. Throughout the journey which spans 3 countries, these cars will be racking up close to 2200km in distance.
Like previous charity rallies, the group would be amassing and bringing donated items from Singapore to distribute to these orphanages. Along the way, they would also purchase and donate humanitarian supplies like rice, oil, salt, sugar, garbage bags, biscuits, personal hygiene items and pillows.
Although each participant has to self-fund various costs like petrol, tolls charges and food, their hotel stays will be highly subsidised by SGRETROCAR’s main sponsor Focalscope, co-sponsors JUZZ For CARS and LEDlightSG.com with support from Premier Trust.
Additionally, various hotel chains such as Mecure Hotels from Accor group, AC hotels by Marriot, and Buri Sriphu Resorts have reached out to provide comfortable stays at unbeatable prices. This charity initiative is also supported by the Tourism Authority Of Thailand and Tourism Malaysia.
Covering The Miles For A Good Cause
SGRETROCAR was established in 2017, and since its inception, the group has organised multiple classic and retro car events with a keen focus on nurturing the passion for older cars to the general public.
Three past GT-Rally drives were organised by SGRETROCAR’s founder Fabian Ng, held in 2007, 2008 and 2017. 2017 saw a shift in focus for the team, turning the drive into a retro-car-centric event as well as a charitable event.
To date, the SGRETROCAR group has successfully brought over 250 books and 165 toys, plus an additional $3,200 worth of groceries, courtesy of multiple car clubs from Singapore. These were generously donated to 2 orphanage homes in South Thailand during the group’s last trip in 2017.
So, why would enthusiasts from SGRETROCAR bother to drive these classic cars all the way up to Thailand in order to deliver these donations in person? As explained by Fabian Ng, the main reason would be to add a unique personal touch to every participating individual.
These orphanage homes situated in South Thailand receive very little support from the local government or large institutions and often comprise of young children, aged 4 to 16, who were rescued from nefarious syndicates, abusive households, or abandonment cases.
Hence, each charitable gesture goes a long way in supporting these organisations.
From the team here at Burnpavement, we wish all participants good oil pressure, manageable water temps, and ultimately a safe drive there and back!