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OTTAWA, Ontario — In an effort to support the nation's military, the Acura Dealers of Canada are sponsoring a rally car that will be driven by two disabled Canadian Forces soldiers in the Targa Newfoundland international car rally.

The pair is attempting to raise $150,000 through the race for the Soldier On Fund, which is a Canadian Forces trust fund aiming to use fitness and sports to help ill and inured soldiers enjoy a higher quality of life.

Master Corporal Jody Mitic, from Brampton, Ontario, and Corporal Andrew Knisley, from London, Ontario, were severely injured during their service in Afghanistan and now have prosthetic lower limbs.

"Both men suffered devastating injuries in combat that have left the pair with just three arms and one leg between them. They credit the Soldier On program with contributing to their remarkable recovery," officials noted.

As they attempt to trek the cumbersome path that winds through eastern and central Newfoundland, they will be driving a new Acura TL SH-AWD performance-luxury sedan. Besides the rally timing components, high-performance tires and wheels and additional safety features that include a roll cage, the vehicle is showroom stock.

The race lasts five days and is said to be "Canada's longest and toughest motorsport event."

The goals for Mitic and Knisley are for the fundraising to help soldiers' rehabilitation through sports and physical fitness as well as helping them to accomplish their goals "irrespective of their injuries."

"Andrew and Jody are remarkable individuals on a very important mission — to raise funds for the injured soldiers who follow their path to recovery through sports, fitness and competition," stated Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada.

"They are an inspiration, and it is an honor for all of us at Honda Canada and for our Acura dealers across the country to help make this possible," Chenkin added. "What they have achieved already is amazing, and what they plan to achieve in the name of their comrades is heroic."

Managing the Targa project is Major General (Retired) Lewis MacKenzie. Retired Transport Canada executive Nigel Mortimer is providing engineering support.

This pair won their category in the 2004 race.

"When Jody and Andrew came to me with the idea of competing in Targa as a fund-raiser, it brought together so many of the ideals that underpin Soldier On — determination, discipline, stamina and new skills — combined with the challenge of an event that is extremely demanding even for able-bodied competitors," MacKenzie shared.

"I believe we can raise significant funds to help the ill and injured soldiers served by the Soldier On program as well as showcase the kind of recovery that this program can make possible," he added.

The costs to field the team was taken care of by MacKenzie. He raised money via private and corporate sponsorship.

Officials noted that all donations to this project will be given to the Solider On Fund.

The team has asked Canadians to donate to Soldier On via www.solideron.ca. These donations are tax-deductible.

There are more fundraisers slated later on.