Helderberg firefighting duo Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan are at it again!
The two running enthusiasts aim to finish the Totalsports Two Oceans half-marathon in under three-and-a-half hours on Sunday 14 April, once again kitted-out in their full firefighting gear.
This year they are adding a twist, 10 kg, in the form of their self-containing breathing apparatus (SCBA).
This will be the third time the seasoned City of Cape Town firefighters take on the race dressed in their uniforms, and the second year they’re raising awareness of, and funds for, the Volunteer Wildfire Service (VWS).
In 2023 their efforts boosted the VWS’s coffers by R181 000, courtesy of donations from individuals and corporates.
“Jermaine and Renaldo have generated such goodwill and positivity with this initiative,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, “and we are hoping for a similar outpouring of support this year.
“Cape Town has had one of the most extraordinary wildfire seasons in history and it has pushed firefighting agencies to the limit.
“We would have been far worse off without the members of the Volunteer Wildfire Services, working side by side with career firefighters on the front line to protect lives and property. The City is incredibly grateful to VWS, and we’re immensely proud of Jermaine and Renaldo for their efforts at drumming up support for the organisation.
“I am confident Capetonians will throw their weight behind our firefighters and VWS.”
VWS is a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) that relies on public and corporate donations to cover its operating costs.
It costs approximately R7 500 to train each volunteer firefighter and equip them with basic personal protective equipment (PPE).
Volunteers are required to purchase their own backpacks, fire boots, water and nutrition needed while fighting fires.
“We are extremely grateful for the assistance and, up to now, that has kept us going,” said VWS CEO Claire Lötter.
“We are wanting to do more, but are limited by the increasing cost of our operations.
“Our biggest expense at the moment is our vehicles, our oldest being a 28-year-old Land Rover people carrier.
“You’ll see our bright yellow vehicle running around the mountain at times of disaster, ferrying eight volunteers at a time.
“The cost of maintaining our ageing fleet is draining our resources, and we are desperately trying to reduce this burden. All of us at VWS are deeply appreciative of Jermaine and Renaldo’s selfless act of running this marathon again on our behalf to raise much needed funds.
- “We will be there, both at the starting line and the finish line, to cheer them on.”
