Dear Chargers, Sponsors, Officials, Partners and Friends of Rhino Ark,
As you are aware over the past few months the Rhino Charge Committee and the organising team, in consultation with the Rhino Ark Board of Directors, have been working hard to see if, and how, the October Rhino Charge can take place. We have been preparing two venues for two very different and exciting Charges and put together various options to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions. The health and safety of the Rhino Charge supporters has always and will always be a critical aspect of this event. However, the impacts of the pandemic continue to grow locally and globally and we feel that a cautious approach is required in order to minimise risk.
As such, it is with great regret that the Rhino Charge Committee and the Rhino Ark Board of Directors have to announce that the 2020 Rhino Charge will not be going ahead and that the next Rhino Charge will now be held on Sunday, 30th May 2021.
The Rhino Charge is a unique event that brings many people together, from around the world and within Kenya, to join in a common cause to raise funds for Rhino Ark and the protection of Kenya’s vital water towers. We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and encouragement from our Rhino Charge supporters in trying to make this event happen, and give thanks and appreciation to those that have already submitted funds to Rhino Ark – these contributions are vital to ensuring the continuation of the valuable projects Rhino Ark carries out.
Rhino Ark has to date built 650 km of electric fences, protecting 80,000 families from the dangers of human-wildlife conflicts. These fences also protect critical mountain forests that are the water towers of Kenya. They are the source of major rivers that provide the much-needed water to Nairobi, one of the key contributors to Kenya’s GDP. These rivers support the livelihoods of millions of households in rural areas. They are also the lifeline of key conservation and tourism areas downstream. Keeping our fences well maintained and fully operational is critical to secure the conservation gains made over the past 31 years.
We are currently working on how the 2021 event will operate with regards to entries, pledges and funds raised to date and once finalised we will share the 2021 Rules & Regulations with the Chargers directly and on our website. Over the coming weeks we will also be in touch with all our sponsors and partners directly to discuss opportunities for 2021.
Thank you to all chargers, supporters and volunteers for your ongoing support. Together, we have established one of the most impactful conservation projects in Kenya. Let’s continue working together to ensure that our conservation achievements remain our legacy for this country and its people.
We are already excited about the 2021 Rhino Charge and look forward to you joining us there.
Kindest Regards,
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Isaac Awuondo
Chairman
Rhino Ark Board of Directors
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Don White
Chairman
Rhino Charge Committee
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Christian Lambrechts
Executive Director
Rhino Ark
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