Wrapping up the Africa Rally

After some crazy happenings in Nigeria, the guys made it across the Cameroon border and are now in Kribi. Keegan and Tate finished the rally last week, and are now relaxing in style. It was an amazing journey full of ups and downs, crazy adventures and new people. Along the way, the guys met some amazing people. Thanks to everyone who helped, and if you were wondering, the boys will be back in Corvallis on February 25th!

The COW car has made it too, minus some parts and the addition of some dings and miles. Keegan and Tate have donated the car to the organization that puts on the Africa Rally. The Suzuki Samurai will soon be auctioned off to the highest bidder and all the money will be donated to the charities. Also, all the tools that the guys used are being sold so they can have money to live, most of which are being sold for more than they are worth in the states.

Keegan and Tate also decided to donate some of their tool-earnings to other people. While in Kribi they went to an orphanage, run by white people who have lived there for forty years, and volunteered letting the orphanage take whatever they needed.

For fun, the COW team visited a wildlife center for rehabilitating animals. They also enjoyed seeing a water festival that took place on the beach. After walking on the private beach of their hotel, they came around a rocky corner and saw the festival on the beach in front of a small village. Of course, Tate and Keegan didn’t resist to join in the celebration.

Also, Tate and Keegan met two guys who are starting a restaurant and decided to help them start it. They have helped the entrepreneurs get menus and other things.

There were hundreds of participants in the Africa Rally this year. Many teams drove straight through as fast as they could; some teams quit or simply could not finish the journey. Tate, Keegan and the COW car took a much different route than planned, experienced many different cultures, conquered all of the difficulties during the journey and were the last ones to finish. While half of the teams didn’t make it to Kribi, our team comprised of two very young drivers and a young COW staff made it.

The Africa Rally was Citizen of the World’s first major philanthropy event. It highlights all the hard work of COW members and Tate & Keegan. Right now, Tate and Keegan are eating shrimp dumped on the dark lava-flow sand of the Cameroon beaches by local fisherman. On behalf of them and everyone involved in COW, we would like to thank EVERYONE who donated their time, money and efforts. As a not-for-profit organization, we could not have done it without ALL of your help.

Thanks again to everyone,
Connor Deeks
PR director COW