The Two Oceans half-marathon heroics of Helderberg firefighters Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan have left the Volunteer Wildfire Service (VWS) with a very healthy cash injection, with pledges from businesses and individuals streaming in as they crossed the finish line.
On Sunday 16 April, Carelse and Duncan ran the Two Oceans half-marathon kitted out in their fire gear (“H’berg firefighters ‘wear it all’ in race against the clock for charity,” Netwerk24, Friday 14 April).
It was their second outing, only this time using the spotlight to drum-up support for the Volunteer Wildfire Service, a valuable partner in Cape Town’s efforts to combat wildfires.
The public was directed to the VWS digital channels to make donations. Just more than a week later the organisation reported that more than R180 000 had been raised, thanks to the City of Cape Town firefighters’ efforts.
“We are amazed and honoured that our friends and colleagues at the City’s Fire and Rescue Service would take on such an endeavour to raise awareness to raise funds for us,” said VWS CEO, Claire Lötter. “We are so grateful to these two amazing men and dedicated firefighters. We rely solely on the donations from the public and corporates to keep our organisation going, so all the funds raised will go towards maintenance and operational costs.”
The City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said: “The goodwill and generosity this initiative sparked has been incredible. I want to reiterate my sincere thanks to Jermaine and Renaldo for taking this on. You are great ambassadors for the City and we are incredibly proud of your achievement. To the public who opened their pockets and their hearts to the Volunteer Wildfire Service, thank you. The contributions will no doubt go a long way towards helping to keep these brave and selfless volunteer firefighters on the front lines when we need it the most.”
