Over 15 classic cars including Cadillacs, Mustangs, Jaguars and Mercedes will participate in the event which is being organised in association with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency and the Historical Cars Association of India. “The event will begin with a display of the classic cars at Citadines OMR Chennai, Ascott’s Apart’ hotel located in Sholinganallur. The rally of cars will drive towards the city centre and reach Somerset Greenways Chennai, Ascott’s serviced residence located in MRC Nagar,” says Supriya Malhotra, Area General Manager, Chennai, The Ascott Limited.

The car rally is being organised in support of refugee welfare and to highlight the role of the communities hosting them. “The pandemic has made us realise the vulnerabilities in our society. Ascott is happy to partner with UNHCR and the diplomatic community in Chennai to further our cause and help build a better future for refugees in India. We hope this event paves the way for more such collaborations in the future to help the ones who need it the most. Children of refugees are the most vulnerable. Sometimes refugee children are unable to find spots in schools near the accommodation facilities where they are living. In some cases, they are unable to integrate into school activities or embrace diversity within the curriculum. As a result, these children sometimes drop out of school, forfeiting any chance for educational and personal advancement. If we are able to improve educational opportunities for young refugees, we will pave the way for a better future for them. In addition to that, the children from the local host community will greatly benefit from this as well,” she add.