Chris and Whit Welles each made their first and second voyages to Kenya, respectively, in the summer of 2007, where our spectacular hosts first alerted us to the existence of the Rhino Charge. Founded in 1988 by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, the Rhino Charge is an off-road race in which competitors are tasked with reaching 13 check points in the shortest distance possible throughout some of Kenya’s most rugged terrain. Car 32’s crew is comprised of four Americans, Chris Welles, Whit Welles, Tim McKenna and Buck McKenna, all hailing from the shores north of Boston. In addition, we have enlisted the help of two local Kenyans whom we are very hopeful will guide us to victory! The focus of the Rhino Charge is raising funds to protect the wildlife living in the Aberdare National Park, located within the mysterious and majestic Aberdare Mountain Range in central Kenya. The park contains a broad range of climates and landscapes, from dense jungle to alpine tundra. This climate diversity allows the area to support a unique wildlife community, including the critically endangered Black Rhino. The Rhino Ark Charitable Trust was founded to protect this delicate mountain habitat. The trust identified the need to build a fence around the park to protect the animals within, and prevent human exploitation of the wildlife. Now, twenty years later, the 400 km fence is in the final stage, and the organization hopes to complete the fence by October. The program has seen great success since its inception, however, donations are needed to ensure that the fence is completed on schedule and adequately maintained. In addition to the moral support we need to compete successfully, we also ask for your generosity in supporting this great cause. East Africa possesses some of the most magnificent wildlife in the world; yet Kenya’s delicate ecosystem requires the work of dedicated organizations like the Rhino Ark in order to continue to thrive. Any donations to this great cause are greatly appreciated, and Car 32 thanks you for your support!
