Our goal is to build float vehicles dedicated to equality marches organized throughout Poland, to provide them the best mobile sound systems. We will make them available to the organizers on similar terms as we currently provide our sound systems – without imposing a specific fee (also for free). Any profits made are spent on participation (travel and accommodation costs) in marches that do not have a sound system budget and the purchase of additional equipment for subsequent marches.
It will also be a response to the fleet of homophobuses circulating around the country, present in the cities where marches are organized.
Funds to achieve our goal may come from subsidies from public funds, from other organizations and from companies and individuals. From one or several entities. In return for helping us achieve our goal, we offer advertising activities, etc. when using the vehicles (e.g. logo/advertisement on the vehicle, support message via sound system).
Why?
One of the most important problems for the organizers of equality marches is to provide a vehicle carrying a sound system, a DJ and people leading the march. In recent years, many car rental companies have withdrawn from their offer proper vehicles with a box body and tarpaulin, which are best adapted for the needs of marches and often have to be obtained in distant cities. The technical condition of available vehicles is also questioned by the police, who often thoroughly inspect the vehicles looking for various problems – each year several platforms are not allowed to participate in marches. For this reason, we no longer offer our old van for transporting sound equipment during marches, in which, for example, the approval of position bulbs, the cleanliness of the engine or the efficiency of additional devices that are not mandatory equipment were questioned. The cost of renting vehicles is an important part of the organizers’ budget, and delivering them and preparing them for the march requires many hours of involvement of volunteers who could be doing other activities during that time. We want to simplify this matter as much as possible.
In 2023, 38 equality marches took place in Poland, usually in 2 cities at the same time, and there are more and more of them every year.
Options
Depending on the funds obtained, we consider:
- Purchase of a new vehicle – chassis cab with a dedicated hard body adapted to a permanent sound system and quick preparation for the march by opening the walls and raising the roof (which will be low on the intercity route to reduce fuel consumption). Due to the cost of customization, it is best to do it on a new vehicle – approx. PLN 200,000;
- Purchase of a used vehicle in good technical condition with a tarpaulin and slightly adapting it to its function – approx. PLN 100,000;
- Construction of a cargo rickshaw, adapted to install a sound system, along with the purchase of a light trailer for its transport (a solution independent of technical inspections and for cities with limited car traffic, a vehicle to pull the trailer will remain a problem) – approx. PLN 30,000;
- If more funds are obtained, it is possible to create more vehicles to support several events at the same time.
Currently, we have a sound system and additional accessories (aggregates, light, smoke, DJ tables) worth approximately PLN 90,000, which we will use as permanent equipment of the new vehicle (in the case of a rickshaw without a subwoofer part, due to the weight – if the rickshaw is another vehicle, we will assemble a dedicated sound system). We will also ensure vehicle maintenance (fuel, third party liability insurance, repairs). On days when equality marches will not be organized, the vehicle with equipment can be used for other activities of the foundation.
About us
The Rainbow Kiwi project is run by the Violet Kiwi Foundation. The main activity of the foundation is the organization of sports events (e.g. running, cycling) and recreational events (e.g. roller skating and cycling parades), but we are involved in other important topics on a large scale. For many years, we have been supporting the organizers of most equality marches in Poland, providing sound systems and other equipment depending on needs (stage, tables, tents, cameras). We have equipment to completely equip 3 platforms at the same time. We finance all this from our business activities – organization and technical support of events and a seasonal cafe. Everyone involved in the rainbow kiwi project works on a volunteer basis.
Contact
Marcin Myszkowski – 605 369 123, skeler@skeler.waw.pl
