3000 km by bike for the hospitals in Gaza
In October 2023, the Gaza Strip plunged into an unprecedented war. Never in 76 years of occupation have the massacres of civilian populations and the destruction of the structures that form the basis of a society been so clear. Journalists, health workers and humanitarian aid workers have never been so deliberately killed.
Our partner AWDA on the ground, which manages health facilities in Gaza, has courageously chosen not to give up, despite the bombings and assassinations, kidnappings, The staff decided to continue caring for the sick and victims of the war.
Taking action in the face of powerlessness
Éric contacted us a few weeks after the escalation of violence by Israel. He couldn't stand the situation any longer and wanted to do something about it. His idea was simple: to spend over a month cycling the roads of France to raise funds for our partner AWDA. By cycling 3,000 km across France, he raised no less than €2,500!
How did you come up with the idea of making this trip in aid of an organisation?
Eric: I've already done a few cycling trips, but given the current situation in Gaza I thought I had to do something. While doing some research, I came across Viva Salud, which had been organising an emergency fund-raising event for AWDA since October. I contacted them and they quickly helped me set up a donation page for my project. I'm really glad I did!
Why did you choose Viva Salud?
Eric I was looking for an organisation that could help me. I contacted the PTB in Liège, which gave me the contact details of Viva Salud because you're known for working with local organisations in Palestine, including one in Gaza (AWDA). I got in touch and from there it was off! What's more, it was a relief for me, because I'm really bad with technology and computers... When you're travelling you're not necessarily in the mood to post on Facebook to collect donations, but with my page it was very simple. All the necessary information was written on it, which made my project very clear to potential donors.·rice-s. Without this page, I wouldn't have collected so many donations!
Are you satisfied with your experience with Viva Salud?
Eric : Yes, I wanted to do something because for me the situation in Gaza was untenable. I now feel able to fight again ! Before that, I felt a bit helpless in the face of all the world's events. But thanks to this trip and Viva Salud, I've realised that there are ways of taking action! It makes me want to carry on, I don't want to stop with this project. I don't know how yet, but the desire is there. The bike project is finished, but I want to tell people that there are ways of taking action. The aim of my trip was also to talk to people about the situation in Gaza. I've had some wonderful encounters, the solidarity is there and it's something very strong, very energising. We mustn't minimise what's happening there and I want to continue to draw attention to it.
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Once again, a huge thank you to Eric for the investment and energy he has put into raising funds for our partner AWDA. If you too would like to develop a fundraising project for Viva Salud and its partners*, please do not hesitate to contact Steffi our fundraiser.
*Fundraising supports projects with local healthcare organisations in the Philippines, Palestine and DR Congo.
