Round the world media advisory
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
MEDIA ADIVSORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROUND THE WORLD FOR STREET KIDS
Tim Dennis of Dalbeatie, Scotland will depart on 22nd June in a customized Toyota landcruiser to travel solo around the world on the ‘Rambling Rat Overland Expedition’.
CJ and Dylan Wilkins of Calgary, Canada left home on 10th May to ride a pair of Buell motorbikes around the world – the first time these motorbikes have circumnavigated the world. They will arrive in Glasgow on 4th June on the ‘Here to Here World Tour’.
The two epic journeys which are raising awareness and funds for Street Kids International were planned entirely separately by the participants, on separate continents, with neither party being aware of what the other was planning.
Street Kids International strives to equip youth worldwide with the tools and opportunities to successfully earn a leaving and make healthy, educated decisions. CJ and Dylan, who are from Canada where Street Kids International recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, say of the charity ‘We believe that Street Kids International is the perfect organization to help youth in poverty to help themselves overcome their circumstance and lead incredible, successful lives.’
Tim Dennis first heard of the charity when he purchased a Tilley hat and found a label inside it describing Tilley’s support of the work of Street Kids International. He felt the charity was perfectly matched with his personal goals for his expedition and immediately got in touch.
The 4th of June will provide a unique and unexpected opportunity for Tim and the Wilkins brothers to meet in Scotland as the brothers pass through the UK on the beginning of the European leg of their journey, just days before Tim’s departure.
All those involved are keen to raise as much awareness as possible of the two incredible journeys and of the work of Street Kids International. As such any interest in interviews or articles featuring Tim, CJ and Dylan and their vehicles is welcomed.
For more information:
Philippa Frankl
Executive Director, Street Kids International, UK
philippa@streetkids.org
BIOGRAPHIES
Tim
Tim Dennis 34 and from south west Scotland, 2 years ago started planning an overland expedition that would benefit other people in some way.
He is from a farming family and attended Agricultural college, following which he worked in the air and sea transport of race horses in Africa. He has been involved in the transport of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals to many destinations in the EU via road.
He first came across Street Kids International when he bought a Tilley hat with a Street Kids International label inside it. Last year he sold his house to finance the start of the Rambling Rat Overland Expedition, which he says is about understanding the basic needs of people and also a personal challenge for himself.
Future goals include extending the Rambling Rat expedition to facilitate disaster relief logistics supplying essential medical and food aid and he hopes to acquire a 6 wheel drive lorry to add to his expedition fleet.
CJ Wilkins
Having earned his motorcycle license for the purpose of the Here to Here World Tour , C.J. is a relative newcomer to motorcycling.
CJ has a natural passion for communications, is an avid hobby photographer and has extensive experience in public and media relations, working in the oil and gas sector, educational institutions, government, communications agencies and a top communications firm in the West End of London.
C.J. will be the principle writer, photographer and videographer for the Here to Here World Tour. In addition, he will use his training in intercultural communication and negotiation as the need arises on the journey.
Dylan Wilkins
Riding motorcycles has been a passion of Dylan’s for a number of years. He earned his motorcycle license in 2001 and has since participated in a number of track events in his native Canada.
Dylan is a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with more than a decade of experience repairing and troubleshooting aircraft and components. He is widely regarded for his mechanical skills as he blends logic, creativity and experience in solving mechanical issues. In addition, Dylan is trained as a Commercial Pilot and has extensive experience with navigation and mapping.
Dylan will be primarily responsible for motorcycle logistics and preparation, in addition to resolving any mechanical issues that may take place on the road. Further, he will be the principle navigator and will be responsible for the trip route and any revisions to it that may be required.
Street Kids International Programmes
Street Kids International is a global leader in developing and disseminating strategies and tools to give street kids worldwide the skills and opportunities to better their lives. Street Kids International has been recognized by the United Nations as a global best practice leader in youth work.
street work
Street Kids International’s street work programme provides a positive learning environment for youth to explore the choices, acquire the skills, and seek out opportunities to make better lives for themselves. Its Street Business and Street Banking Toolkits are entrepreneurship and financial literacy courses designed for front-line workers to use directly with street youth. Youth develop their own business plans, explore choices available to finance their businesses and are equipped with the skills to improve their businesses in the future.
street health
The choice by street kids to use drugs or engage in risky sexual practices is made in an environment where obvious answers and simple choices don’t exist. Street Kids International’s street health programme engages street kids in making informed choices about sexual health, HIV/AIDs and drug use. Street health training enables front-line workers to engage kids in taking responsibility for their own experience with sex, drugs, and other associated factors of life on the street. It equips workers to help street kids move toward lives of risk prevention and health promotion.
street rights
Street Kids International’s street rights programme emphasizes its key role as an advocate and educator on the rights of street kids. Street Kids challenges governments, public officials and ordinary citizens alike to see the economic potential of street kids in their communities.
