60,000 hours by 384 volunteers to kickstart 11th Pink Caravan Ride

The Pink Caravan Ride PCR), the annual breast cancer awareness campaign that treks the seven emirates offering free check-ups, is the fruit of tireless volunteers putting their hearts and soul into making a difference in their communities. The ongoing 11^th edition, which kicked off on February 4, is a resounding success thanks to the dedication and hard work of its volunteers, who, over the course of just a few short weeks, put in an incredible 59,830 hours of their time to help make the event a reality.

Between January 1st and February 4th, 154 volunteers clocked in an impressive 24,640 hours of work, while the medical team comprising 45 members put in 11,880 hours during 22 days, averaging 12 hours a day. 185 volunteers dedicated an estimated 23,310 hours by the end of the annual trek, averaging 16 hours per day. By the end of the annual trek on February 10, the total number of volunteer hours is estimated to reach a staggering 59,830 hours.

Aside from a thorough plan to coordinate efforts with external entities during the annual trek to ensure the safety of volunteers, equestrians, horses, and the public while campaigning on the country’s roads, extensive schedules are put in to ensure that medical equipment is in working order, in addition to doctors and nurses rotation to maximise their services to benefit the community. The enormous logistics put into motion for the ongoing 11^th edition, which runs under the theme ‘Powered by You’, has been the responsibility of 384 volunteers, the oiled machine that drives PCR’s massive success.

HE Reem BinKaram, Chairperson of PCR High Steering Committee, said: “The incredible effort from everyone involved in the pan-UAE awareness campaign is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back. The Pink Caravan Ride wouldn’t have been possible without their tireless work, and at the same time, asserts the impact of volunteers when they come together for a noble cause.

The pan-UAE awareness campaign trekked on the country’s pristine eastern coast on Wednesday. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, welcomed the Pink Caravan Ride at Fujairah International Marine Club. The equestrians started at Kalba Waterfront at 8am reaching East Coast Fishing Charter Kalba Corniche at 9.20am after being welcomed by Dr. Obaid Saif Al Zaabi, Chairman of Kalba Municipality Council, and Eng. Abd Al-Rahman Al Naqbi, Director of Kalba Municipality. The journey continued from Kalba Corniche towards Fujairah International Marine Club before campaigning from the Old Souq Khorfakkan towards the majestic Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.

Day 6: Ras Al Khaimah

The ride will campaign in Ras Al Khaimah on Day 6, with riders starting at Saqr Hospital at 9:30 am, passing by Cove Rotana Resort and ending at Mina AlArab Lagoon at 4:30 pm before travelling to the capital Abu Dhabi for the last leg of the annual nationwide campaign.

The Daily Minivan will be at Saqr Hospital from 9am-3pm, as well as Al Quasim Corniche from 4pm-10pm, while the Pink Caravan Mammogram clinic will be available at Mina Al Arab from 1pm-7pm.

Day 7: Abu Dhabi

The final leg of the 11th edition of PCR will take place in Abu Dhabi, starting at Oasis of Dignity Parking at 10:00 AM, passing by Sheikh Zayed Mosque and ending at Health Point at 12:30 PM, with a grand closing ceremony at 6:00 PM in Al Hudayriat Island.

The Pink Caravan Mammogram clinic will be stationed at Zayed Sports City from 5pm onwards on day 7, while the Daily Minivan will offer screenings at Shaikh Zayed Mosque from 10am-4pm and Yas Mall from 11am-5pm.