The Elephant Family charity and Quintessentially Foundation announced the launch of ‘Travels To My Elephant’ – a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw race taking place in India in November 2015 to help save the Asian elephant from extinction. Journeying through some of the country’s most colourful and awe inspiring countryside, from the erotic sculptures at Khajuraho to the tiger reserves of Bandhavgarh National Park, teams of two from all corners of the globe will take on the unique challenge.
Actress Susan Sarandon, models Yasmin and Amber Le Bon and Quintessentially Foundation principal Ben Elliot are just some of the many racers taking part, with each team pledging to raise £10,000 for Elephant Family, supporting its goal of funding a future for the Asian elephant.
To launch ‘Travels To My Elephant’ in the UK, 20 rickshaws will be transformed into extraordinary pieces of mobile art individually designed by a host of international artists, milliners and fashion houses including Diane von Furstenberg, Manish Arora, Carolina Herrara, Philip Colbert and The Rodnik Band and Nicky Haslam. Our very own Alex Echo has been asked to design one of the Tuk Tuk’s. He will be using a fabric created by Paul Smith to upholster the seats of the tuk tuk.
From June Alex Echo’s Tuk Tuk and the rest of the artistic rickshaws will grace the streets of London raising awareness of the charity. Alex Echo’s Tuk Tuk will be auctioned of by Sotherby’s in June along with a large original painting.The venture was officially launched today at Clarence House at an exclusive reception hosted by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, joint presidents of Elephant Family.‘Travels To My Elephant’ is a true modern day adventure and a fitting celebration of the life of Mark Shand, one of the world’s greatest adventurers. The campaign aims to raise a total of £1 million for the Elephant Family charity, and a chance to carry on Mark’s passion and dream of saving the magnificent Asian elephant from extinction. The rickshaw race begins in India on 1st November 2015. For more information CLICK HERE.
On the left we have Adam, Susan Sarandon’s business partner, in the middle we have Alex Echo and Prince Charles on the right. Adam and Susan are also racing one of the Tuk Tuks.