Six-girl member team enter Rhino Charge to raise Sh41.5m for conservation efforts

By Oscar Pilipili

Wild Catz Team 2013 has unveiled an ambitious fund-raising campaign strategy towards Rhino Ark Charitable Trust.

The team is set to participate in the 2013 Rhino Charge with the view of fund-raising US$500,000 (Sh41.5 million) for conservation of Aberdare.

The all-girls crew that have entered the predominantly male event comprises of Lisa Christoffersen, Karen Mathews, Debbie Chamberlain Shah, Kiran Ahluwalia, Sandie Bhachu and Lynn Lury.

Speaking to FeverPitch after adopting two baby elephants at Nairobi National Park on Tuesday, Christoffersen said they have planned a series of fund-raising activities to meet their target.

"Wild Catz Team 2013 are aiming to raise $500,000 for Rhino Ark Charitable Trust between now and June 2013," she said.

"Winning the Spirit of the Event Award for 2013 is part of our goals but our aim is much higher. Not only do we want to raise the highest ever amount of sponsorship, but we want to increase international interest in this wonderful cause and add a touch of glamour as well," she said.

Christoffersen described Wild Catz as a dynamic team of enterprising, motivated and bush-loving women that have entered the 2013 Rhino Charge "so that we can make a difference towards our country and its conservation efforts".

Christoffersen said they have put together a calendar of events including a ‘Born to be Wild’ ball at the Muthaiga Club in May and an off-road driving skills course in April to help meet their target.

The other fund-raising activities include Craft Fair to be held on April 21 at Zen Gardens, Nico Band Rhino Charge Rock Night at Tribe Hotel on September 15, Concourse De Elegance on September 30 and a Golf competition at Windsor Golf Club on November 24.

"We’ve the ideas but we’re appealing to the corporate world to come on board and help Wild Catz achieve their target," she said.

Wild Catz Team 2013 has already attracted international attention with Veritas Entertainment, a film and television company in Hollywood supporting their noble cause.

The Rhino Charge is an annual off road motor sport competition that has been held in Kenya since 1989.

It is a unique and exciting competition that requires bravery and high level of skills in off-road driving and navigation. The event organised by Rhino Ark Charitable Trust is held to raise funds for conservating Aberdare ecosystem.

The mission of Rhino Charge is to mobilise the public to raise funds for Rhino Ark, Kenya’s conservation charity.

For over 22 years Rhino Ark has been raising funds for the building and maintenance of an electrified fence that encircles nearly 400km of the Aberdare ecosystem.