SACA & NSPCC Charity Evening

Every July teams’ of riders from around the UK descend on Birmingham for the annual Birmingham to London Cycle ride. Over the last 14 years SACA, Sikh Arts and Cultural Association have raised over £80,000 for children’s charities, for example: Help a London Child (Capital Radio FM), Cash for Kids (BRMBFM), Wolverhampton Children’s ward, Ealing Hospital, ‘Playground in the Sky’, Dr Barnado’s, Contact a Family, Red Cross, dEBra (skin disorder charity) and Downs Syndrome Research Foundation. This year’s charity is the NSPCC, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

The theme of this year's 14th cycle ride for children's charities was set as: Spirit, Stamina and Success. Spirit - from a perspective of having the courage and initiative to take on board the challenge of this endurance event. Stamina – as the event requires staying power and determination to complete over 140 miles of cycling and finally Success, not just for the participant but for the event to contribute to this years chosen charity.

The annual Ride presentation evening 23rd November 2003
The purpose of this event was two-fold. Firstly to support of collection of ride sponsorships raised by the bike ride to the NSPCC and secondly to hold an open public event in an effort to raise more funds, through a programme of entertainment and fun. The evening also provides and opportunity to thank the sponsors and to share in the joy of helping others.

On the evening, the free event brochure’s opening lines read: Welcome to a night of a thousand stars, namely you for giving up your time to become supporters of this years NSPCC and SACA charity night. Although the weekend was described as one of the wettest on record, a phenomenon 300 people came to support the event – and what a night it was. Performances were given by Ambassadors of Dhol, Baharan Punjab Diya, Bollywood Dance Studios, Filmi Sensation and Hypnotize (DJ) entertainment. One of the hottest items was an extensive and superbly choreographed Fashion show, produced by Naseeba Sacranie and her team. The Fashion show featured leading models with delightful vogue from Creations and Bombay Connections.

The event was attended in the presence of honourable Mayor of Ealing. During a speech given by the Mayor of Ealing, Mr Gurcharan Singh, acknowledged and welcomed the commitment of SACA to continue to help children’s charities.

Cheques were presented by SACA to the Mayor’s charity. In addition, a cheque of £8000 was presented by SACA to NSPCC –Riders are encouraged to complete their quest for remaining outstanding sponsorship collection amounts. Sponsorship and raffle prizes were awarded from David Lloyd Leisure Clubs, NSPCC (free holidays and trophies), Halfords, Capital Radio, and Sony. Sandeep Mattoo secured first place collected over £1500 in the category of having raised the highest amount in personal sponsorship.

SACA and NSPCC would like to take this opportunity to Thank all the riders, sponsors (full list available at www.charitybikeride.com) and media organisations (DESI Radio 1602am and The Sikh Times) for their fantastic contribution to this years events. The organisations would like to encourage next year’s potential riders by suggesting that they start training now (!!) and continue to stay loyal to the cause of helping children.