Start Your Engines! Atlas Account Manager to Take Part in Rally for Charity

21 August 2015

For all car enthusiasts, driving the open highway is the idea of ‘living the dream’, one dream that will turn into reality for one Atlas Account Manager. Martin Berk based in Atlas’ Hoofddorp office will be taking part in the R.A.P rally for charity, driving 2300km in just under a week.

The R.A.P Rally

The R.A.P rally started in 2009, where contestants were asked to race across Europe in cars purchased for maximum of EUR 500. Martin and his team mate Joost Wagemaker will drive across eight borders to raise money for their chosen charity, Riga’s Municipality’s Children and Youth Centre (RPBJC). The duo hopes to raise EUR 1000 for the centre.

Raising Money for RPBJC

In 2009, the centre merged a number of orphanages and houses from various locations in Riga, and formed the RPBJC for children between the ages of 2-18. Depending on their background the children can receive support from the social workers from the centre.

 One of the main tasks of the rally is to complete a full day of charity work. Martin and Joost and the other 40 contestants will be helping to refurbish the centre, painting walls, installing a new kitchen and creating outside play areas.

‘Gumball meets Top Gear on a budget’

Along with the management, the children created a wish list for themselves about the changes they would like to see at the centre. The list also included providing the outdoor areas with new sport and play equipment.

“I’m really looking forward to this rally which can be best described as ‘Gumball meets Top Gear on a budget,’" says Martin. "We actually do not even know where we’re going to start and where the finish will be. Everyday we’ll get an envelope with our assignments and coordinates for that specific day. So it’s going to be a week full of surprises and hopefully a lot of good stories afterwards. Also, helping the kids of RPBJC who are obviously not living the dream is a really nice aspect of this rally. So I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves together with the other 40 contestants and make their life a little bit easier!”    

How can I Donate?

Atlas has supported the team, contributing to their cause and supplying them with the equipment they need for their journey. Martin and Joost will begin the rally on the 29^th August and we wish them good luck for what lies ahead.

If you would like to donate to Martin and Joost’s cause, please contact Martin Berk on mberk@atlasprofessionals.com to find out how you can donate.