The Dakar lends a hand
&Also worth knowing
As the Dakar discovers new territories, it also aims to develop relationships and maintain a link with the people who welcome the race. For thirty years in Africa and now in South America, the rally has joined forces with a number of initiatives and remains faithful to its roots and values.
A Roof for my Country
“Un techo para mi país” (A Roof for my Country) carries out actions in the realm of emergency housing: forty houses in Valparaiso, Chile, forty others in Argentina.
By implicating itself in the work of the “Un techo para mi país” association, the Dakar contributes to the implementation of a concrete project for families that benefit from the operation. Most importantly, financial aid from the rally will be donated to a dynamic organization, whose goal of carrying out large-scale operations becomes more evident with each passing year.
As a partner of "Un techo para mi pais", the Dakar adheres above all to a method that consists of treating issues with a global approach. For this year, teams from the association have identified needs in areas near Valparaiso. On January 10, the rest day on the shores of the Pacific, rally organizers and competitors met with volunteers who have taken charge of the operation, and to whom a 112 000 dolars check was given. This encounter also allowed the competitors to discover these projects. It is by associating them that the Dakar intends on developing the initiative and building more and more roofs.
The ties that have been woven with Africa throughout its history will lead the rally to find new inspiration on the banks of Lac Rose as soon as the geopolitical situation allows. The Dakar continues to maintain regular contact with African countries, and will continue to lead programs planned over time for the Dakar Solidario, Dakar Actions and support for the “Dakar Six Hours automobile race”.
Implementation of Dakar Actions programs, developed in collaboration with SOS Sahel, will continue during 2010. The idea is to ensure successful completion of a certain number of projects initiated by the local population in the fields of sustainable development, agriculture, reforesting and reinforcement of dunes. These efforts will be continued.
