India on a rickshaw: 'Crazy' trip an eye-opener for P.E.I. man

It's a different way to fundraiseand see the world, butJalenMacLeodsays he's learning a loton his journey across India to raise money for two international youth charities.

The Orwell, P.E.I., resident is one of three men making the3,000-km trip from the country's north to south in a tiny rickshaw.

MacLeodhad just completed the fifth day of the trip covering about 500 km when reached by CBC News on Wednesday.

Bucket list

MacLeod said the idea for the trip came from a bucket list written 10 years ago by MattyLovell, a friend who lived in New Zealand.

"He had actually done everything on it except two things have kids and do something for charity. And he said, 'I don't want to have kids, want to do something for charity?' and we kind of stumbled upon this idea."

The group spent six months planning and organizing the trip. The funds they raise will go toward theCricket Live Foundation andInspire Foundation.

"We've been raising money on the ground level and businesses have jumped on, some corporations and we did some fundraising before the trip began."

Warm welcome

After testing out the rickshaws for a few days, the two men, along with filmmaker Andy Vause, began their trip.

MacLeodsaid they receive a warm welcome at each stop they make.

"It's been amazing. It's just been crazy," he said of the interactions they've experienced. MacLeodsaid the biggest response is in the rural areas where people want to cook for them and invite them into their homes.

It's kind of like Island life, like P.E.I. life. JalenMacLeod

"It's kind of like Island life, like P.E.I. life."

As for the rickshaws,MacLeodsaid they've had a few breakdowns, including a blown gasket, but overall the seven horsepower engine is holding up.

MacLeodsaid they travelled 230 kilometres in one day, the most so far on the journey that is expected to take two weeks to complete.

AndMacLeodsaid he is learning to appreciate what he has taken for granted as he sees how the people of India live and survive.

More information about MacLeod'strip can be found on their Facebook page and website.

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