Some projects raise funds. Others raise spirits. Wheels and Tees did both.
What began as a simple idea during a casual brainstorming session quickly evolved into one of the most vibrant and multifaceted initiatives of our Rotaract journey. We wanted more than a fundraiser, we wanted an experience that reflected our club’s drive, creativity, and unity. And so, Wheels and Tees was born, a three-phase project designed not only to support the administrative needs of our club but to build fellowship, forge connections, and leave a lasting impression.
The spark came from a shared desire to combine service with style. Why not wash cars to connect with the community and sell T-shirts that capture our university spirit? From that moment, the plan unfolded with excitement and intention. Each phase had its own rhythm, each with its own story. 
The first beat? Buckets, sponges, and team laughter. On a sunny January morning, members gathered at the familiar front of BRC Grounds. Car Wash 2025 kicked off with enthusiasm, where every scrub and spray wasn’t just about cleaning vehicles,it was about starting something new, something collective. The teamwork was raw, real, and unforgettable.
Then came the style, our “Rhythm of UOC” T-shirt campaign. This wasn’t just about fabric and ink. It was about identity. Designers from within our community poured their creativity into prints that spoke volumes about who we are. Each design was a reflection of our university culture; bold, united, expressive. Pre-orders began to roll in, and our PR campaign made sure no one missed out. Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp lit up with teasers, countdowns, and sneak peeks. Excitement built, and soon, students across campus were wearing more than just T-shirts—they were wearing a statement.
And just when we thought the journey couldn’t get more exciting, the final phase brought a whole new kind of energy. This time, we teamed up with the University Rugby Team. The Rugger Collab wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of inter-club collaboration. It was about breaking silos and building bridges. Side by side, we worked with the players, scrubbed down cars, and shared laughs that blurred the lines between teammates and friends.
Behind the scenes, it was nothing short of a coordinated dance. From PR captions to permissions, T-shirt orders to water logistics—our committee members poured their time and heart into every detail. It was a live lesson in leadership, planning, and pure commitment.
By the end of the project, we had raised over 100,000 in profits. But what we truly earned can’t be measured in numbers. We gained stronger bonds, discovered fresh talent, and experienced the unmatched joy of creating something meaningful together. From each bead of sweat during the car wash to the final batch of folded tees ready for delivery, Wheels and Tees was a reminder of what happens when passion meets purpose.
Now, when we see those T-shirts on campus or drive past the BRC Grounds, we don’t just see a project. We see a memory. A movement. A moment when we realized that with creativity, collaboration, and just a bit of soap and spirit—we can move mountains.
Because Wheels and Tees wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a story worth wearing.
Written By: –
Rtr. Dion Gomes
(Co-Director Finance Avenue 2024/25)
Edited By:
Rtr. Thisara Kuruppuarachchi
(Senior Blog Team Member 2024-25)
